DOCUMENTARY   HISTORY   OF   YALE   UNIVERSITY 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  OF 
YALE  UNIVERSITY 


UNDER  THE  ORIGINAL  CHARTER  OF  THE 

COLLEGIATE    SCHOOL    OF    CONNECTICUT 

1701-1745 


Edited  by 
FRANKLIN  BOWDITCH  DEXTER,   Lirr.  D 


NEW  HAVEN:   YALE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 

LONDON:   HUMPHREY  MILFORD 

OXFORD  UNIVERSITY  PRESS 

MDCCCCXVI 


'    Copyright,  1916 
By  Yale  University  Press 


First  published,  October,  1916 


PREFACE 

In  this  comi3ilation  are  included  the  more  imiDortant 
documents,  known  to  be  in  existence,  relating  to  the  his- 
tory of  Yale  University,  of  a  date  earlier  than  that  of  the 
present  charter,  of  May,  1745. 

The  extant  records  of  the  Trustees  for  this  period  are 
given  in  full;  but  certain  other  more  formal  material  is 
intentionally  omitted ;  of  this  character  are,  for  example, 
conveyances  of  property  to  and  from  the  Collegiate 
School^  and  other  legal  papers ;  records  of  the  admission 
of  students,  of  the  assignment  of  rooms  in  the  College 
building,  and  of  degrees  conferred;  lists  of  donations  to 
the  Library;  accounts  of  the  Treasurer;  and  Laws  for 
the  government  of  students. 

Yale  University,  July,  1916. 


€46621 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Preface v 

I.     Proposals  for  a  University  [1701?]       .         1 
II.    Letter  of  Increase  Mather,  September 

15,  1701 6 

III.  Letter  of  Samuel  Sewall,  September  17, 
1701 7 

IV.  Letter  of  Gershom  Bulkley,  September 

27,  1701 9 

V.     Letter  of  Eleazar  Kimberly,  October  1, 

1701 11 

VL     Letter  of  John  Eliot,  October,  1701  .      .       12 
VII.     Letter  of  Samuel  Sewall  and  Isaac  Add- 
ington,  with  draft  of  a  Charter,  October 

6,  1701 15 

VIII.     Offer  of  James  Fitch,  October  16,  1701  .       19 
IX.     Charter  of  the  Collegiate  School,  Octo- 
ber, 1701 20 

X.     Letter  of  Samuel  Mather,  October  27, 

1701 23 

XL     Letter  of  James  Noyes,  October  28, 1701      24 
XII.     Letter  of  Samuel   Sewall,   October   29, 

1701 26 

XIII.  Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  November 
11-14,  1701 27 

XIV.  Letter  of  the  same  to  Nathaniel  Lynde, 
November  14,  1701 35 

XV.     Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham,  Decem- 
ber 15,  1701 36 

XVI.     Letter  of  the  same,  February  25,  1702   .       37 
XVII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  8, 

1702 38 


viii  CONTENTS 


PAGE 

XVIII.     Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham,  April  27, 

1702 40 

XIX.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

30,  1702 41 

XX.     The  same,  March  18-September  15,  1703      43 
XXI.     Act  of  the  General  Assembly,  October, 

1703 45 

XXII.     Act  of  the  Governor  and  Council,  Octo- 
ber 21,  1703 45 

XXIII.  Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  February 
22-23,  1704 46 

XXIV.  statement  of  the  same  to  the  Students, 
February  23,  1704 48 

XXV.    Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham,  May  12, 

1705 50 

XXVI.     Letter  of  Abraham  Pierson,  with  answer 
of  the  town  of  Killingworth,  September 

21-November  2,  1705 51 

XXVII.     Letter   of  Abraham   Pierson,   January 

12,  1706 52 

XXVIII.     Draft  of  resolutions   submitted  to  the 

Trustees,  1706 54 

XXIX.     Votes    of    the    town    of    Killingworth, 

November  7-December  24,  1706        .      .       54 

XXX.     Letter  of  Samuel  Sewall,  October  7, 1707      55 

XXXI.     Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  May  22, 1711      56 

XXXII.    Act  of  the  Assembly,  October,  1712  .      .       57 

XXXIII.  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  January  23, 
1713 57 

XXXIV.  Letter  of  the  same,  May  5,  1713  ...       58 
XXXV.     Letter  of  Joseph  Noyes,  July  26,  1714  .       59 

XXXVI.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

8,  1714 60 

XXXVII.    Action  of  the  Assembly,  October,  1714- 

May,  1715 60 

XXXVIII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

14,  1715 62 


CONTENTS 


IX 


PAGE 

XXXIX.     Act  of  the  Assembly,  October,  1715  .      .       63 
XL.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  3, 

1716 64 

XLI.  Representation  of  the  State  of  the  Colle- 
giate School,  and  action  of  the  Assem- 
bly, May,  1716 65 

XLII.     Subscriptions  for  the  settlement  of  the 

School  in  New  Haven,  1716  ....  67 
XLIII.  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  July  6,  1716  71 
XLIV.     Vote   of  the   New   Haven   Proprietors, 

July  30,  1716 71 

XLV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

12,  1716 72 

XLVL     The  same,  October  17-20,  1716    ...       73 
XLVII.     Vote  of  the  town  of  Hartford,  December 

18,  1716 79 

XLVIII.    Votes  of  Trustees  for  completing  build- 
ings  at   New  Haven,   December   19-29, 

1716 80 

XLIX.    Vote   of  the  New  Haven   Proprietors, 

December  24,  1716 81 

L.     Remonstrance      against      settling      the 

School  at  New  Haven,  January,  1717     .       81 
LL    Memorandum  of  timber  for  the  Colle- 
giate House,  January  4, 1717  ....       82 
LIL     Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,   February 

21,  1717 83 

LIII.  Remarks  on  the  Remonstrance  against 
settling    the    School    at    New    Haven, 

February  22,  1717 84 

LIV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  5, 

1717 88 

LV.     Memorial  of  a  minority  of  the  Trustees 

to  the  Assembly,  May,  1717    ....       95 
LVI.     Resolves   of  the   Lower  House   of  the 
Assembly    on    the    settlement    of    the 
School,  May  21-27,  1717 99 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

LVII.     Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  June  6, 

1717 100 

LVIII.     Call  for  a  Trustee  meeting,  July,  1717  .     101 
LIX.     Letter  of  Samuel  Andrew,  July  23,  1717     102 
LX.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

11-13,  1717 103 

LXL     Memoranda  by  Daniel  Buckingham  in 

behalf  of  Saybrook,  October,  1717     .      .     106 
LXII.     Opinion   by  the   same   on  the   removal 

from  Saybrook,  1717 107 

LXIII.     Orders  of  the  Assembly  for  hearing  the 

Trustees,  October  12-15,  1717       ...     109 
LXIV.     Message   of  the   Upper   House   to   the 

Trustees,  October  22,  1717     ....     Ill 
LXV.     Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Assem- 
bly, October  22,  1717 112 

LXVI.     Observations  and  Remarks  by  Timothy 
Woodbridge  and  Thomas  Buckingham, 

October  22-23,  1717 114 

LXVIL     Resolves  of  the  Upper  House,  October 

23-24,  1717 116 

LXVIIL    Letter  of  John  Winthrop,  October  24, 

1717 118 

LXIX.    Message  from  the  Upper  House,  October 

25,  1717 119 

LXX.     Order  of  the  Assembly  for  a  Hearing  of 

the  Trustees,  October  25,  1717  ...  120 
LXXI.  Answer  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Observa- 
tions and  Remarks  of  Woodbridge  and 
Buckingham,  October  25,  1717  ...  121 
LXXII.  Account  by  the  Trustees  of  the  School's 
having  been  at  Saybrook  and  its  Re- 
moval, October  25,  1717 126 

LXXIIL    Representation  of  Moses  Noyes  to  the 

Assembly,  October,  1717 127 

LXXIV.     Reasons  by  the  same  for  the  Votes  of  the 

Lower  House,  October,  1717  ....     129 


CONTENTS 


XI 


PAGE 

LXXV.     Reply  to  the  above,  October,  1717  .      .     130 
LXXVI.     Votes    of   the   Assembly   on    requiring 
Unanimity  of  the  Trustees,  October  28, 

1717 131 

LXXVII.     Proceedings  of  the  Assembly  on  Con- 
firmation of  the  Removal  to  New  Haven, 

October  28,  1717 132 

LXXVIII.     Argument  of  the  Upper  House  in  favor 
of  the  settlement  at  New  Haven,  October 

29,  1717 134 

LXXIX.     Proposal  of  the  Upper  House  for  a  Con- 
ference, October  29,  1717 136 

LXXX.     Proceedings  of  the  Assembly,  on  the  De- 
termination of  a  place  for  the  School, 

October  29-30,  1717 137 

LXXXI.     Proceedings   of  the   Trustees,   October 

30,  1717 140 

LXXXIL     Resolves  of  the  Assembly,  October  31, 

1717 145 

LXXXIII.     Letter    of    the    Trustees    to    Jeremy 

Dummer,  October  31,  1717      ....     146 
LXXXIV.     Historical     Remarks     concerning     the 
School,  by  Samuel  Johnson,  November 

20,  1717-June,  1719 148 

LXXXV.     Letter  of  Cotton  Mather  to  Elihu  Yale, 

January  14,  1718 163 

LXXXVL     Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  March  12, 

1718 164 

LXXXVII.     Proposal  of  the  Lower  House  of  the 

Assembly,  May  29,  1718 165 

LXXXVIII.     Letter    of    Timothy    Woodbridge    and 

Thomas  Buckingham,  June  2,  1718  .      .     166 
LXXXrX.     Letter   of   Benjamin   Colman,   June   4, 

1718 167 

XC.  Letter  of  the  Trustees,  in  answer  to 
Woodbridge  and  Buckingham,  June  5, 
1718 169 


xii  CONTENTS 


PAGE 

XCL     Letter   of   Cotton  Mather,  August  25, 

1718 170 

XCII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

10,  1718 171 

XCIII.     Letters   of  (thanks   of  the   same,   Sep- 
tember 10-12,  1718 174 

XCIV.     Invitation  of  the  same  to  seceded  Stu- 
dents, September  12,  1718       ....     178 
XCV.    Act  of  the  Assembly,  October,  1718  .      .     179 
XCVI.     Orders   of  the  Governor   and   Council, 

October  28,  1718 181 

XCVIL     Letter  of  Timothy  Green,  October  30, 

1718 181 

XCVIII.    Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  November 

20,  1718 182 

XCtX.     Proceedings  of  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil, December  2-4,  1718 183 

C.     The  same,  March  11-13,  1719  ....     187 
CI.    Letter  of  Jonathan  Edwards,  March  26, 

1719 192 

CII.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  April  14, 

1719 192 

cm.    Act   introduced   in   the   Upper   House, 

May,  1719 194 

CIV.    Letter  of  Jonathan  Edwards,  July  21, 

1719 195 

CV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

9,  1719 196 

CVI.    Act  of  the  Assembly,  October,  1719  .      .     199 
CVII.    Vote  of  the  First  Society,  New  Haven, 

December  30,  1719 199 

CVIII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  20, 

1720 .     200 

CIX.    Vote  of  the  First  Society,  New  Haven, 

May  11,  1720 202 

ex.     Proceedings   of  the   Trustees,   June   8, 

1720 203 


CONTENTS  xiii 


PAGE 

CXI.    Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  July  13, 

1720 205 

CXII.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  October  1, 

1720 206 

CXIII.     Order  of  the  Upper  House,  October,  1720    207 
CXIV.     Letter  of  Timothy  Cutler,  December  31, 

1720 207 

CXV.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  February  25, 

1721 209 

CXVL     Letter  of  Jonathan  Edwards,  March  1, 

1721 210 

CXVII.    Letter   of  Jeremy  Dummer,   March   7, 

1721 212 

CXVIII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  4, 

1721 213 

CXIX.     Brief  issued  by  the  Assembly,  June  13, 

1721 214 

CXX.     Account  of  sales  of  goods  from  Elihu 

Yale,  June  28,  1721 216 

CXXI.     Letter  of  Timothy  Cutler,  July  7, 1721  .     219 
CXXII.    Act  of  the  Assembly,  October,  1721  .      .     220 
CXXIII.     Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  October 

28,  1721 221 

CXXIV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  4-6, 

1722 222 

CXXV.     Letter  of  Joseph  Morgan,  May  28,  1722     224 
CXXVI.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

13,  1722 225 

CXXVII.     Letter  of  John  Davenport  and  Stephen 

Buckingham,  September  25,  1722     .      .     226 
CXXVIII.     Relation  of  the  Declaration  of  Rector 

Cutler  for  Episcopacy,  October,  1722  .     229 
CXXIX.     Proceedings   of  the   Trustees,   October 

17-22,  1722 231 

CXXX.     Action   of  the  Assembly  respecting  a 

Seal,  October,  1722       .  * 234 


XIV 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

CXXXI.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  November 

21,  1722 235 

CXXXII.     Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,   March   8, 

1723 237 

CXXXIII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  17, 

1723 237 

CXXXIV.     Letter  of  Nathaniel  Williams,  May  13, 

1723 239 

CXXXV.     Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  June  3,  1723     240 
CXXXVL     Letter  of  the  same,  July  22,  1723      .      .     242 
CXXXVII.     Letter  of  Moses  Noyes,   September  3, 

1723 242 

CXXXVIIL    Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  September 

6,  1723 243 

CXXXIX.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,  September 

10,  1723 244 

CXL.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

11,  1723 245 

CXLL    The  same,  October  16,  1723  ....     246 

CXLIL     Questions  proposed  by  the  Trustees  to 

the  Assembly,  October  17,  1723  ...     247 
CXLIII.     Act  of  the  Assembly  in  addition  to  the 

Charter,  October,  1723 248 

CXLIV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  7, 

1724 251 

CXLV.     The  same.  May  21,  1724 252 

CXL VI.     Action  of  the  Assembly  on  the  Appoint- 
ment of  a  Eector,  May,  1724  ....     253 
CXL VII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

9,  1724 255 

CXLVIII.     Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer,   February 

25,  1725 256 

CXLIX.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  April  20, 

1725 258 

CL.     Letter  of  Joseph  Talcott,  June  11,  1725     259 
CLI.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

29,  1725 260 


CONTENTS  XV 


PAGE 

CLIL     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

October  14,  1725 261 

CLIII.     Petition  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

May  12,  1726 '.263 

CLIV.     Proceedings  of  the  same,  May  31, 1726  .     265 
CLV.     The  same,  September  13,  1726     ...     266 
CLVI.     Letter   of  Jeremy  Dummer,   February 

10,  1727 267 

CLVII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September, 

1727 268 

CLVIIL     The  same,  October  17,  1727    ....     269 
CLIX.     Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  As- 
sembly, October,  1727 271 

CLX.     Proposed  Action  of  the  Assembly  on  the 
Taxation  of  the  Rector,  October  24-26, 

1727 274 

CLXL    Letter  of  Elisha  Williams,  July  2,  1728     275 
CLXIL     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

11,  1728 277 

CLXIII.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

May  8,  1729 278 

CLXIV.    Proceedings  of  the  same,  September  10, 

1729 280 

CLXV.     Memorial  of  Elisha  Williams  to  the  As- 
sembly, October  9,  1729 282 

CLXVI.     Letter  of  George  Berkeley,  March  24, 

1730 284 

CLXVII.     Proceedings   of  the  Trustees,   Septem- 
ber 9,  1730 285 

CLXVIII.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

September  9,  1730 287 

CLXIX.     Letter  of  George  Berkeley,  September 

7,  1731 289 

CLXX.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

8,  1731 290 

CLXXL     Letter  of  George  Berkeley,  July  25, 1732     291 


xvi  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

CLXXII.     Memorial  of  the   Trustees  to  the  As- 
sembly, with  action  thereon,  May  and 

October,  1732 292 

CLXXIII.     Letter  of  Timothy  Cutler,  September  4, 

1732 295 

CLXXIV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,,  September 

13,  1732 296 

CLXXV.     Letter  of  Benjamin  Colman,  December 

2,  1732 298 

CLXXVL     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  December 

20,  1732 299 

CLXXVIL     ''The   Benefactors    of   Yale    College," 

1733 300 

CLXXVIIL  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  As- 
sembly, May  11,  1733 302 

CLXXIX.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

12,  1733 304 

CLXXX.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

September  12,  1733 306 

CLXXXL     Letter  of  Isaac  Watts,  August  16, 1734  .     307 
CLXXXIL     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

11,  1734 ...     308 

CLXXXIIL     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

September  11,  1734 310 

CLXXXIV.     Account  of  the  Income  and  Expenses  of 

the  College,  October  16,  1734  ....     311 
CLXXXV,     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

10,  1735 312 

CLXXXVI.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

September  10,  1735 314 

CLXXXVII.     John  Punderson's  Account  for  College 

Repairs,  May  20,  1736 317 

CLXXXVIII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

8-9,  1736 318 

CLXXXIX.  Account  of  Isaac  Dickerman  and  John 
Punderson  for  College  Repairs,  October 
18,  1736 321 


CONTENTS 


xvii 


PAGE 

CXC.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

14-15,  1737 323 

CXCI.     The  same,  September  13-14,  1738     .      .     326 
CXCII.     Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Assem- 
bly, September  14,  1738 328 

CXCIII.     John  Punderson's  Account  for  College 

Repairs,  October  16,  1738       ....     330 
CXCIV.     Letter  of  Samuel  Johnson,  May  14,  1739    331 
CXCV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

12,  1739 332 

CXCVL     The  same,  October  30-31,  1739     ...     336 

CXCVII.     The  same,  April  2,  1740 340 

CXCVIII.     Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Assem- 
bly, May  8,  1740 340 

CXCIX.     Proceedings   of   the   same.   May   13-14, 

1740 342 

CC.     The  same,  September  10,  1740     ...     344 
CCI.     Journal  of  George  Whitefield,  October 

25,  1740 346 

ecu.     Report  of  a  Committee  of  the  Assembly 
on  the  Needs  of  the  College,  October  27, 

1740 347 

CCIII.     Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Assem- 
bly, May  14,  1741 348 

CCIV.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

9,  1741 350 

CCV.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

October  8,  1741 352 

CCVI.     Extract  from  the  Boston  Evening  Post, 

April  26,  1742 355 

CCVII.     Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Assem- 
bly, relating  to  the  College,  May  13, 1742    356 
CCVIII.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

8,  1742 359 

CCIX.     Report  to  the  Assembly  on  the  Repairs 

of  the  Rector's  House,  October,  1742      .     360 


xviii  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

OCX.    Memorial     of     Daniel     Edwards     and 
Samuel  Mix  to  the  Assembly,  concern- 
ing Repairs  at  College,  May  6, 1743  .      .     361 
CCXI.     Proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  September 

13,  1743 362 

CCXII.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

October  13,  1743 363 

CCXIIL     Proceedings  of  the  same,  September  12, 

1744 365 

CCXIV.     Memorial  of  the  same  to  the  Assembly, 

October  11,  1744 366 

CCXV.    Judgment  of  the  Rector  and  Tutors  con- 
cerning John  and  Ebenezer  Cleaveland, 

November  19,  1744 368 

CCXVI.     Declaration  of  the  same  against  White- 
field,  February  25,  1745 369 

CCXVII.    Letter     concerning     the     Cleavelands, 

March  17,  1745 370 

CCXVIII.     Letter  of  Thomas  Clap,  April  18,  1745  .     372 
Index        375 


DOCUMENTARY   HISTORY   OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


DOCUMENTARY    HISTORY    OF    YALE 
UNIVERSITY 


I.    Proposals  for  a  University 
[From  the  University  Archives] 

These  (undated)  proposals  were  sent  from  some  friend 
or  friends  in  Boston,  before  the  movement  for  a  College 
in  Connecticut  had  reached  any  definiteness, — perhajDS  in 
the  spring  or  early  summer  of  1701;  and  may  thus  be 
regarded  as  the  earliest  extant  document  in  Yale  history. 
It  cannot  be  proved,  however,  that  this  paper  had  any 
influence  in  determining  the  course  of  events.  Some 
slight  resemblances,  in  the  suggestions  made,  to  the 
recommendations  in  the  document  next  following,  favor 
the  theory  of  a  kindred  authorship. 

A  photographic  copy  of  the  first  page  of  this  manu- 
script is  given  in  the  Netv  England  Magazine  for  Decem- 
ber, 1901  (vol.  XXV,  p.  430). 

Proposalls  for  Erecting 

an  UNIVERSITY 

in  the  Renowned  Colony  of  Connecticut: 

Humbly  Offered  by  an  Hearty  (tho'  unknown) 

Well-wisher  to  the  Welfare  of  that 

Religious  Colony 

I.    Let  there  be  called  a  SYNOD  of  all  the  Consociated 
Churches  in  this  Colony. 

The  Synod,  (or  Council  of  Elders  and  Messengers  from 


i\:  \''\  y\ 0": i PDOTOENTABY  HISTORY [1701 

the  Churches,)  may  as  yett  be  Called  by  the  Civil  Govern- 
ment, upon  the  Motion  of  some  Eminent  Pastors. 

Or,  if  That  way  should  fail,  why  may  not  as  many  of  the 
Pastors  as  can  come  together,  modestly  write  a  Circular 
Letter  unto  the  Churches,  intimateing  their  desire,  of  their 
sending  their  Delegates  unto  a  Synod  (att  a  proper  Time 
and  Place  agreed  on,)  upon  this  great  Occasion  of  settling 
an  VNIVERSITY,  for  the  propagation  of  Literature  and 
Religion  among  them. 

II.  The  SYNOD  being  Assembled,  Let  the  Work  of  that 
Venerable  Assembly  be,  To  resolve  upon  an  VNIVERSITY, 
that  shall  be,  The  School  of  the  Churches;  and  upon  the 
LAWS,  by  which  the  said  University  shall  be  Governed. 

Let  these  LAWS  declare.  What  shall  be  the  Qualifica- 
tions of  them  that  shall  be  admitted  into  the  Society; 

What  shall  be  the  Studies  therein  followed,  &  how 
managed ; 

What  shall  be  the  Manners  of  y®  St\idents,  and  how  Re- 
warded, or  Censured. 

And  upon  what  Accomplishments  the  Persons  there 
Educated,  shall  go  forth,  with  Ample  Testimonials,  Recom- 
mending them  to  the  acceptance  of  the  World. 

III.  Wee  cannot  praesume  to  give  Degrees,  Pro  more 
Academiarum  in  Anglia, — nor  are  the  Degrees  of  Bache- 
lour  of  Arts,  and  Master  of  Arts,  in  the  Terms  they  are  now 
Ordinarily  given,  much  more  than  Empty  Titles. 

A  Diploma,  or  Testimonial,  (Signed  by  the  Prsesident,  &> 
the  Tutors  of  the  University,  and  by  Three  of  the  In- 
spectors,) asserting  the  Qualifications  of  him  that  Recieves 
it,  will  be  as  Good  as  a  Degree,  in  the  Honourable  Thoughts 
of  Reasonable  Men.  And  it  is  hoped,  A  Society  of  Such 
Persons,  thus  founded  and  formed,  may  without  prsesump- 
tion,  give  such  a  Testimonial  unto  those  that  shall  under 
their  Education  deserve  it. 

If  the  Young  Gentlemen,  will  not  be  satisfyed  without 
Titles  sequivalent  unto  a  Baccalaureus,  and  Magister,  it  will 
be  easy  to  gratifye  them. 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  3 

He  that  goes  forth  Qualifyed  w**^  a  Testimonial,  and  in- 
tending the  Service  of  the  Churches,  may  be  Stiled,  Jnstruc- 
tus  Ecclesice. 

He  that  goes  forth  intending  to  serve  his  Countrey,  in  any 
other  Capacity,  but  that  of  a  Divine,  may  be  stiled,  Ornatus 
Patrice. 

Let  there  be  no  such  expensive  Commencements,  as  those 
in  other  Universities. 

But  let  the  Prcesident,  and  the  Tutors,  with  the  Jn- 
spectors,  appoint  still,  what  Time  they  please,  in  y®  Year, 
for  a  Solemn,  &  Rigid  Examen,  of  those  that  are  the  Candi- 
dates OF  Approbation. 

Let  it  be  cosidered.  Whether  the  Time  for  the  Scholars 
going  forth,  Jnstructi,  or,  Ornati,  should  be  limited  unto  the 
Term  of  their  Continuance  Four,  or  Five,  or  more  Years, 
under  their  Education. 

Would  it  not  be  better,  for  the  Rules  of  Qualification  to 
be  sufficiently  strict,  and  Fixed?  And  then  a  Scholar  that 
shall  come  up  to  them,  sooner,  may  go  forth  an  Jnstructus, 
or  an  Ornatus,  with  an  earlier  Harvest  of  His  Dilligence. 
And  the  Slothfull  or  Stupid  may  stay  (as  'tis  fitt  they 
should)  until  their  Merits  may  Challenge  their  Testimonial. 

But  then,  the  Examen  must  be  Jmpartial. 

rV.  Lett  the  SYNOD  Choose,  at  least,  the  first  Prcesident. 
Jf  it  seem  too  great  a  Trouble,  for  the  Churches  to  come 
together,  as  often  as  a  Successor  may  be  to  be  chosen, 
Qucere,  Whether  the  Jnspectors  may  not  be  trusted  with 
the  Choice? 

Only  then,  Lett  the  Jnspectors  write  Letters  to  all  the 
Consociated  Churches,  Reporting  whom  they  have  Elected ; 
and  How,  and  Why.  And  if  one  Third  of  the  Churches  do 
signify,  by  Letters,  to  the  Jnspectors,  that  they  do  not 
approve  their  Action,  Let  them  then  proceed  unto  an-other 
Election. 

Quaere,  Whether  the  Praesident  must  alwayes  be  chosen 
for  Life,  (or  at  least,  Quamdiu  se  bene  Gesserit:)  Or, 
Whether  (at  least  upon  the  Difficulty  of  obtaining  a  more 


DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1701 


continued  supply,)  an  Eminent  Pastor  may  not  be  borrowed 
for  Four  or  Five  Years,  from  his  Church ;  and  his  Church 
be  in  the  mean  time  supplyed,  w*^-  Candidates  of  the  Minis- 
try :  The  Praesident  himself  coming  to  them  as  often  as  He 
can  to  dispense  all  special  Ordinances. 

The  Work  of  y®  Praesident  shall  be,  Ordinarily  once  a 
Day  to  Entertain  the  Scholars  in  a  publick  Hall,  with 
Prayers,  and  such  other  Exercises,  (Whether  Expositions 
of  the  Scripture,  or  Lectures  in  Divinity,  or  Church-His- 
tory, or  somewhat  Else,)  as  may  be  most  serviceable. 

And  frequently  to  Examine  the  Conduct  of  the  Tutors, 
and  the  progress  of  the  Scholars. 

And  Execute  the  Discipline  of  the  University,  according 
to  the  Laws  of  it. 

And  Preach  publickly  in  the  University -Town,  as  often 
as  He  can. 

To  such  Encombrances,  and  such  Entertainments,  will 
the  Praesident  be  obliged.  That  He  must  have  a  considerable 
Salary.  Untill  those  Methods  be  taken  (which  may  soon  be 
taken,)  whereby  such  a  Salary  may  be  Raised,  Why  may 
not  the  Synod  Resolve,  That  each  of  the  Consociated 
Churches  do  its  part:  And,  That  it  shall  be  treated  as  a 
Censurable  Scandal  for  any  particular  Person,  under  the 
Church-Watch,  to  refuse  His  Duty,  in  the  General  Contri- 
bution! Jt  will  be  so  little,  among  so  many  Churches,  and 
Persons,  that  it  will  be  scarce  Felt  by  any,  but  such  as  are 
of  a  very  Quick  sense  in  such  Matters. 

V.  Lett  the  Pastors  of  such  Twelve  Churches,  as  the  Synod 
shall  pitch  upon,  be,  for  the  Time  being  the  Stated  Jn- 
SPECTORS  of  the  University. 

And  any  Seven  of  those  Twelve,  be  a  Quorum. 

Only,  let  none  be  allowed  for  to  Act  as  Jnspectors,  untill 
they  Subscribe  certain  Articles,  relating  to  the  Purity  of 
Religion,  that  shall  be  by  the  Synod  agreed  upon. 

And  Let  none  be  allowed,  as  Prcesident,  or  Tutors,  with- 
out subscribing  those  Articles. 

Lett  the  Jnspectors  Visit  the  University  Twice  at  least  in 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  5 

a  year,  and  assist  the  Prcesident  in  Regulating  all  Things, 
not  only  then,  but  also  as  often  as  He  shall  send  for  them. 

Let  the  Prcesident  with  the  Jnspectors,  Choose  the  Tutors, 
and  give  Directions  to  them. 

Tivo  Tutors  may  be  enough  at  first.  But  how  shall  they 
be  maintained  ? 

Some  way  must  be  Thought  of,  that  the  publick  may  pay 
for  their  Board.  Some  such  way,  as  that  which  provides  a 
Salary  for  the  Prcesident. 

For  their  further  subsistence,  lett  there  be  a  convenient 
Summ  Sett  upon  the  Heads  of  all  that  are  under  their 
Tuition. 

VI.  There  have  been  many  Famous  Universities,  which  have 
had  no  Colledges. 

Yea,  One  of  the  most  famous  Universities  now  in  Europe, 
hath  Seven  or  Eight  Hundred  Students  in  it,  and  yet  they 
have  no  Collegiate  Way  of  Living,  but  Board  here  and  there 
in  the  To"s\ti,  where  they  can. 

There  needs  but  one  Large  Room  for  the  stated  meetings 
of  all  the  scholars. 

The  Synod  shall  determine  the  Toivn,  that  shall  be  the 
Seat  of  the  University.  By  all  means,  Lett  it  be  a  Sea-port 
Town. 

The  Scholars  may  board  att  Houses  in  the  Town,  where 
they  may  be  Best  provided  for. 

Only,  Lett  not  the  Scholars  Board  in  any  Families,  but 
such  as  the  Pastor,  and  other  officers  of  the  Church,  may 
under  their  Hands  allow,  as  fitt  (in  regard  of  their  Exem- 
plary Piety,)  for  that  service  of  Boarding  Young  Men,  that 
are  to  be  the  Hope  of  the  Flock. 

Lett  the  Prcesident  &  Jnspectors  of  the  University,  Limitt 
and  Retrench  the  price  of  Boarding,  if  any  of  the  Jnhabit- 
ants  begin  to  oppress  the  Students  in  this  matter. 

If  these,  or  the  Like  Proposals,  may  be  received,  by  a 
Colony  famous  for  True  Religion,  and  in  which  there  are 
many  Pious  and  Prudent  Gentlemen,  who  can't  but  foresee 
the  Vast  Consequences  of  such  an  Undertaking,  as  is  here 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

proposed ;  There  yett  remain  many  Considerable  Things,  to 
be  Humbly  Offered,  relateing  to  the  Laws  of  their  VNI- 
VERSITY,  when  there  shall  be  (which  the  Lord  Grant)  an 
happy  Opportunity  for  it. 

To  the  Reverend 

Mr.  Noyes,  of  Stonington, 
Mr.  Buckingham,  of  Say-brook, 
Mr.  Pierpont,  of  New-Haven. 


II.    Letter  of  Increase  Mather 

September  15,  1701 
[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  writer  of  this  letter  had  been  excluded,  nine  days 
previously,  from  the  presidency  of  Harvard  College,  for 
declining  to  remove  from  Boston  to  Cambridge ;  and  v^as 
in  consequence  the  more  disposed  to  favor  the  project  of 
a  new  institution. 

The  superscription  of  the  letter  is  wanting;  it  was 
probably  addressed  to  the  Rev.  James  Pierpont,  of  New 
Haven,  while  the  reference  in  the  opening  sentence  was 
perhaps  to  the  Rev.  Thomas  Buckingham,  of  Saybrook. 

Boston,  Sept.  15,  1701 
Rev^-  &  dear  S^- 

Not  long  since  a  Minister  in  y'"-  Colony  was  pleased  to  desire 
my  Advice  concerning  an  Academical  School  designed  to  be 
erected  in  y^-  Colony.    I  shall  suggest  a  few  particulars  to  you. 

In  y^  Universities  in  Holland  &  other  foreign  Countries, 
they  do  not  live  a  Collegiate  life,  but  board  in  y^  Town  where 
y®  Academy  is;  by  taking  y*  Course  you  may  save  more  y°- 
a  1000^^  in  building  an  House — only  tis  necessary  y^-  sh*^-  be 
a  Large  room  hired  to  attend  Disputations,  orations  &  other 
publick  exercises. 

A  President  &  two  or  3  Tutors  may  be  sufficient  for  y® 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  7 

ordinary  good  goverm*-  of  y®  School  for  Academical  Learn- 
ing. If  for  y*  making  of  Laws,  Election  of  officers  &c.  y^- 
shall  be  7  Inspectors  appointed  it  may  do  well,  esp^y-  if  these 
be  y*  Pastors  of  y*  next  neighboring  churches. 

Publick  Commencements  in  o'"-  Colledge  have  of  late  years 
proved  very  expensive  &  are  occasion  of  much  sin.  That  may 
be  done  privately  as  well  as  publickly.  As  many  Times  in  ye 
universities  in  England  they  have  no  publick  Acts  but  give 
degrees  privately  &  silently. 

The  Presidents  &  Professors  in  y^  Protestant  Universities 
in  France  were  maintained  by  y^  Churches;  And  y®  several 
Churches  were  directed  by  y^  Synods  w*-  they  should  con- 
tribute in  order  y^'unto. 

If  y®  Civil  Government,  before  y'"-  Charter  is  taken  from  y™, 
shall  settle  a  revenue  for  y®  maintenance  of  such  a  school,  tis 
probable  y*-  property  will  not  be  taken  from  you  tho  Govern- 
ment should. 

These  things  are  w*-  at  present  occurr  to  my  Thoughts,  w^^ 
(as  also  w*-  I  have  written  to  M^-  Buckingham  of  Seabrook) 
take  in  good  part. 

I  commend  you  &  y-  undertaking  (in  w^^^^  y^  yelfare  of  yo''- 
Colony  &  Posterity  is  greatly  concerned)  to  y^  grace  of  Christ, 
&  remayn,  S^-, 

Yo'"^-  to  my  power 
I  Mather 


III.    Letter  of  Samuel  Sew  all 

September  17,  1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

Chief  Justice  Sewall  was  graduated  at  Harvard  in 
1671,  and  was  thus  a  classmate  of  Samuel  Mather,  one  of 
the  original  Trustees  of  the  College.  He  had  also  been 
for  one  year  a  fellow-undergraduate  of  Abraham  Pierson 
(Harvard  1668),  another  Trustee. 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 


Boston;  Sept^- 17,  1701. 
Sir, 

The  Letter  subscrib'd  by  Mr.  Chauncy,  Buckingham,  Pier- 
son,  Pierpont  &  Saltonstall,  bearing  date  Aug*-  7*^-  came  to 
hand  Aug*-  26.  And  your  own  dated  Aug*-  26,  I  rec'd  V-  13^^. 
at  my  return  from  Bristow.  I  gave  the  inclosed  to  Mr.  Sec- 
retary,' and  we  conferd  notes.  But  it  has  been  a  very  hurry- 
ing time  with  us  by  reason  of  the  Governour's  power  being 
devolved  on  the  Council,^  and  the  sitting  of  the  Gen^-  Court 
the  beginning  of  this  Moneth. 

I  have  been  thinking,  that  considering  the  present  distress,^ 
it  may  be  best  to  doe  as  little  by  the  Governm*-  as  is  possible 
with  attaining  the  End.  And  therefore  should  not  be  eagre  in 
building  a  College  or  settling  Revenues  by  a  Law.  But  let 
the  Scholars  board  in  the  Town,  as  it  is  in  Holland :  and  only 
build  a  Hall  w*^-  Chamber  over  it  for  a  Library.  Unless  you 
can  hire  a  large  House  that  may  accommodat  the  President, 
and  those  Ends  also.  And  so  let  the  Act  only  contain  Author- 
ity for  such  a  Person,  by  himself  &  Tutors  under  him  to 
Instruct  Youth  in  Academical  Learning,  and  give  them  De- 
grees, as  the  late  Reverend  &  Godly  Learned  Mr.  Charles 
Chauncey  was  wont  to  doe  at  Cambridge,  and  as  was  accus- 
tomed to  be  done  under  his  Presidentship.  And  all  persons 
admitted  to  any  Degrees  shall  have  the  same  Honor  &  Respect 
shown  them  that  Students  have  or  ought  to  have  had  who 
rec<i-  Degrees  at  Harvard  College  from  the  s*^-  Charles 
Chauncey,  or  from  any  other  President  before  or  after  him 
in  Harvard  College  at  Cambridge  abovesaid.  And  let  the 
Act  oblige  the  President  to  pray  and  expound  the  Scriptures 
in  the  Hall  Morning  and  Evening  de  die  in  diem,  and  ground 
the  Students  in  the  Principles  of  Religion  by  reading  to  them 
or  making  y"^-  Recite  the  Assemblys  Confession  of  Faith  w"^- 

1  Isaac  Addington. 

2  Lieutenant  Governor  Stoughton,  who  had  been  Acting  Governor  of  Massa- 
chusetts (in  succession  to  Sir  William  Phips,  who  died  in  1695),  had  died  in 
July,  1701. 

3  A  bill  had  been  brought  before  Parliament  in  the  preceding  April,  to  annul 
the  charters  of  the  New-England  Colonies,  and  serious  consequences  were  feared. 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  9 

is  turned  into  good  Latine,  as  also  the  Catechises;  and  Dr. 
Ames's  Medulla.  And  the  Students  shall  obey  the  President 
and  Tutors,  and  conform  themselves  to  such  wholsom  Orders 
as  shall  be  appointed  subscribing  them  at  their  Entrance. 
And  Let  the  entire  Course  of  Academical  Exercises  be  main- 
tained and  the  performance  of  them  exacted  with  all  imagin- 
able Strictness  &  Severity,  without  dispensation  to  any. 

Mr.  Secretary  presents  his  Service  to  you  &  the  Gentlemen 
you  joind  with  in  your  abovementioned  Letter.  We  account 
our  selves  honoured  in  that  you  have  imparted  to  us  a  matter 
of  so  great  Concernment,  and  hope  within  these  few  days  to 
send  to  you  somthing  more  mature  &  in  form  either  by  the 
Post  or  some  other  good  hand 

My  humble  Service  to  you  &  y^  Gentlemen  concernd  with 
you,  &  to  Mrs.  Pierpont  from  Sir, 

Your  humble  Serv*- 

Sam.  Sewall. 

I  mention  the  Confession  of  the  Assembly  of  Divines ;  bee. 
Arminianisme  is  crept  even  into  the  Dissenters  Annotations, 
as  may  be  seen  upon  Hebr.  2,  9,  s*^-  to  be  done  by  Mr.  Obadiah 
Hughes. 

For  the  Rever*^-  Mr.  James  Pierpont 
at  New-Haven 


IV.    Letter  of  Gershom  Bulkley 

September  27,  1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author  v^as  a  graduate  of  Harvard  in  1655,  v^ho 
had  been  settled  in  the  ministry  in  New  London  and  in 
Wethersfield,  but  now  devoted  himself  to  the  practice  of 
medicine,  and  to  law  and  politics. 

His  eminent  ability  was  generally  conceded;  and  it  is 
probable  that  his  advice  in  the  present  case  was  desired, 


10  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 


as  being  likely  to  give  in  their  strongest  form  the  objec- 
tions which  could  be  alleged  against  the  proposition. 

His  wife  was  a  sister  of  Israel  Chauncy,  one  of  the 
Trustees. 

To  y^  ReV^-  Elders  deliberating  of  a  Colledge,  &c. 

Rev^-  S"-, 

Yo'"-  designe  is  so  good  y*-  if  I  might  &  could,  yet  I  would 
not  wittingly  deceive  you;  &  g^  you  must  give  me  leave  to 
tell  you  y*-  I  have  made  as  much  search  in  y^  statutes  &  else- 
where, as  my  present  incapacity  will  allow  me,  but  cannot 
find  y*  w^^  satisfys  me,  or  (I  thinke)  will  satisfy  you,  in 
answer  to  yo^-  Queryes. 

The  best  encoragment  &  direction  y*-  I  can  find,  is  in  39 
Eliz.  5,  compared  w*^-  13  EHz.  17,  (for  y^  founding  &  incor- 
porating of  Hospitalls  &c)  &  w*^-  y^  Lord  Cookes  exposition 
of  s<i-  39  Eliz.  5.  (wch-  is  in  his  2^-  Instit.  p.  120,  &c.)  &  upon  21 
Jac.  cap.  1.  (Ibid.  p.  726,)  whereby  y^  39  Eliz.  5,  is  made  per- 
petuall,  &  some  addition  made  to  it:  &  upon  43  Eliz.  4,  (Ibid, 
p.  707,)  whereby  provision  is  made  for  y^  due  improvem*- 
of  donations  made  for  such  pious  &  charitable  uses,  &  wherein 
schooles  of  learning  are  expressely  mentioned.  All  which 
notwithstanding,  other  statutes  do  disable  dissenters  or  Non- 
conformists from  ye  teaching  of  youth;  against  w*^^-  yet  me 
thinkes  y^  Act  of  Indulgence  passed  An.  1.  of  y^  King  yt.  now 
is,  should  afford  some  Remedy. 

Now  my  opinion  in  every  thing  is  so  liable  to  objections,  y*- 
it  behoves  me  to  be  slow  in  shewing  it :  yet  I  am  so  willing  to 
promote  so  good  a  worke,  y*-  I  shall  adventure  to  say  thus 
much:  Viz.  That  I  do  not  thinke  y^  Gen^^-  Court  will  be  for- 
ward to  act  in  it  at  present ;  &  I  doubt  it  would  but  issue  in  a 
disapoint  to  you  at  last  if  yy-  should,  &  possibly  in  an  Accusa- 
tion against  themselves  at  this  time.  We  all  know  y*-  y^  King 
&  Pari*-  are  above  us,  &  g^  I  should  thinke  y*-  it  will  be  much 
better  to  petition  his  Ma*y-  to  grant  a  Liberty,  ratified  by  Act 
of  Pari*-,  for  y^  founding  of  a  Colledge  &c  according  to  y^ 
Tenor  of  y^  statutes  aboves*^-,  &  under  y"  favor  of  y®  s*^-  Act 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  11 

of  Indulgence.  Tis  an  old  saying,  New  Lords,  new  Lawes,  & 
all  y^  world  is  mutable ;  but  I  thinke  this  is  y®  most  likely  way 
to  prevent  a  future  defeate,  if  it  can  be  obtained:  if  not,  we 
are  but  where  we  were  before,  &  possibly  a  little  time  may 
enable  us  better  to  see  what  is  next  best.  I  wish  you  would 
peruse  y«  statutes  afores<i-  w*^-  y®  Lord  Cokes  exposition 
afores<^-,  w^h-  you  may  do  in  a  little  time,  &  so  far  to  yo^-  satis- 
faction, or  direction  at  least,  y*-  I  hope  you  will  not  repent  it, 
or  thinke  yo^-  time  lost.  So  commending  you  &  this  affaire  to 
ye  conduct  &  blessing  of  God,  I  am 

Rev<i-  s^s-  Yo'"^-  to  my  poore  power 

G.  BULKLEY. 

Wethersf"!-  Sept^-  27,  1701. 


V.    Letter  of  Eleazar  Kimberly 

October  1,  1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author  was  a  native  of  New  Haven,  and  had  been 
for  most  of  his  life  a  schoolmaster.  From  1696  to  his 
death  in  1709  he  was  Secretary  of  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut. 

Newhaven  Octob^-  1^*:  1701: 
Rever^-  S''- : 

According  to  my  Promise  to  you  I  did  Procure  for  M''- 
Bulkley  the  Statutes  at  Large,  and  he  hath  Considered  of  the 
Questions  propounded  to  him,  and  the  Result  of  his  thoughts 
concerning  them  is  herein  Inclosed.  I  have  not  Time  to 
Peruse  his  Papers,  but  I  doe  apprehend  that  all  his  discourse 
is  grounded  upon  the  Statutes  of  the  Realme  of  England.  I 
doe  apprehend  the  Questions  propounded  by  the  Reveren*i- 
Elders  are  very  weighty  and  farre  too  high  for  me  to  Resolve, 
Yet  I  doe  not  apprehend  that  the  Resolution  of  them  is  to  be 
grounded  upon  the  Statute  Lawes  of  England,  for  I  am  fully 


12 DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY [1701 

of  the  opinion  of  a  person  Learned  in  the  Lawe  who  not 
Long  Since  declared  in  the  Court  of  Assistants  that  the 
Statutes  of  England  and  acts  of  Parliament  are  not  in  force 
in  the  forreign  Plantations,  Excepting  only  such  Statutes  &c 
wherein  the  Plantations  were  named.  And  I  doubt  not  but 
Lands  may  be  given  for  the  promoting  of  Good  Literature  in 
this  Land  mthout  any  offence  to  the  Statutes  of  Mortmain, 
which  were  ordained  onely  to  prevent  Extravagance  &  Excesse 
&c ;  and  I  doubt  not  but  the  Kings  of  England  will  always  be 
ready  to  Promote  Good  Learning  in  all  their  dominions,  and 
to  continue  any  Estates  that  are  given  for  that  use  without 
any  alteration  as  I  observe  his  present  Majestic  hath  done  in 
the  Charter  of  the  Massachusetts  Province.  S''-  by  Reason 
of  my  Ilnesse  and  other  Emergencies  I  have  had  no  time  to 
consider  of  any  of  the  Questions  propounded  by  the  Reverend 
Elders,  and  if  I  had  had  more  time,  my  opinion  concerning 
them  would  have  been  of  Little  worth  unless  I  had  the  advan- 
tage of  learned  authors  for  my  direction,  which  I  have  not,  but 
S'"- 1  suppose  that  worthye  M'"-  Bulkly  hath  given  such  Light  in 
these  affairs,  that  there  is  no  need  for  me  to  say  any  thing. 
S^-  in  Great  hast  with  my  hearty  desire  that  so  good  a  work  as 
is  now  under  the  Consideration  of  the  Reverend  Elders  may 
prosper  and  succeed  I  take  Leave,  and  shall  ever  Remain, 

Rever*^-  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  Servant 

Eleazer  Kimberly. 

for  the  Reverend  M^-  Pierson. 


VI.    Letter  of  John  Eliot 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  vTriter  was  a  grandson  of  the  Apostle  Eliot,  who 
after  graduating  at  Harvard  in  1685,  had  entered  on  the 
ministry;  but  after  removal  to  the  house  of  his  uncle, 
the  minister  of  Guilford,  Connecticut,  he  had  taken  up 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  13 

the  legal  profession,  and  had  become  active  in  political 
life. 

In  1701  he  was  a  leading  member  of  the  General  As- 
sembly. As  a  resident  of  Windsor,  he  was  a  parishioner 
of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Mather,  who  was  one  of  the  original 
Trustees  of  the  College,  though  inactive  on  account  of 
broken  health. 

This  letter  was  doubtless  written  in  the  early  part  of 
October,  1701. 

Reverend  S^- 

Yours  of  the  17*^-  Sep^^-  I  received.  I  thank  you  for  com- 
municating to  me  that  great  design.  Were  there  no  nearer 
reasons  the  weight  of  the  matter  the  shortness  of  the  time 
you  allow  me  and  the  want  of  the  thoughts  of  others  to  correct 
and  improve  mine  disable  me  offering  any  that  are  worthy 
your  desire.  You  first  enquire  whether  our  Goverment  can 
erect  a  Collegiate  Scool  which  by  Law  can't  be  overset.  S^- 
I  think  such  a  Scool  may  be  erected  which  cannot  be  over- 
thrown by  Law  Regularly  Executed.  (In  some  measure  to 
maintain  which  under  a  future  Goverment  a  wise  and  resolute 
assembly  may  be  a  good  means.)  My  reasons  are  these.  To 
erect  such  a  Scool  is  neither  Repugnant  to  the  Laws  of  Eng- 
land nor  an  entrenchment  on  the  Kings  Prerogative.  No  act 
or  Law  (according  to  my  sence  of  the  matter)  in  any  of  the 
Plantations  is  deemed  to  be  Repugnant  to  the  Laws  of  Eng- 
land unless  it  be  contrary  to  an  act  of  the  Parliament  of 
England  wherein  such  Plantation  is  expressed  or  evidently 
Intended.  And  I  know  no  act  of  Parliament  sais  such  a  Scool 
may  not  be  erected  in  the  Plantations.  Neither  do  I  think  It 
is  deemed  at  home  an  intrenchment  on  the  Prerogative  of  the 
King  tho  many  here  are  suspicious  it  is.  For  manifest  occa- 
sion has  been  given  to  declare  it  and  such  like  things  so  if  it 
were  so,  not  only  from  the  former  erecting  and  incorporating 
the  Colledge  at  Cambridge  about  which  there  has  been  so 
many  Transactions  at  the  Council  Board,  But  also  from  the 
Erecting  Societies  by  Law  both  in  Boston  and  New  York  in 
their  several  Towns,  priviledging  and  enabling  them  to  dis- 


14  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

pose  of  Land,  to  sue  and  be  sued  and  in  many  other  things  to 
act  as  incorporated  companies.  So  that  unless  Prerogative 
greatens  more  than  of  late  it  has  done,  or  unless  hereafter, 
which  is  a  hazard  very  necessary  to  be  provided  against,  our 
assemblys  are  so  modelled  as  to  repeal  their  own  act  (if  they 
prove  so  good  as  to  make  one)  It  is  hopefull  such  a  scool 
may  stand.  Here  I'le  offer  one  thought  whether  one  privi- 
ledge  to  be  granted  to  the  Governers  of  s*^  Scool  should  not  be 
to  send  two  to  represent  the  s*^-  Scool  in  the  General  Assembly 
as  the  Universities  in  England  have,  by  which  they  and  so 
we  may  have  great  advantages.  Your  second  Question  is  con- 
cerning securing  and  manageing  Donations.  S^-  The  best  way 
I  can  at  present  think  on  Is  to  have  them  given  to  a  third 
person  or  persons  in  trust  to  the  use  of  s*^-  Scool  to  be  managed 
and  disposed  by  the  major  part  of  s<i-  8  Elders  and  s^  Master 
for  the  time  being.  But  because  every  one  that  may  give  will 
not  have  skill  to  do  it  well,  It  will  be  very  convenient  to  insert 
certain  Provisoes  in  the  act  too  Large  here  to  set  down.  As 
to  the  Title  of  the  Master  of  the  s<^  Scool,  It  seems  to  me  to  be 
of  no  greater  consequence  than  this.  That  which  shows  Least 
of  Grandeur  will  be  Least  obnoxious.  As  to  your  Fourth 
Quere  I  am  much  at  a  loss  in  my  own  thoughts.  Yet  I'le  offer 
That  not  standing  on  a  Royall  foundation  we  cannot  give 
authentick  or  Legal  Degrees.  Something  instead  of  them  of 
good  use  and  incouragement  amongst  ourselves  we  may.  But 
without  a  great  deal  of  prudence  in  that  matter.  Our  enemies 
will  take  advantage  to  injure  us.  To  your  fift.  The  placing 
goverment  in  those  9  has  a  prospect  of  very  happy  Conse- 
quences. To  limit  to  an  age  may  prevent  the  inconvenience 
of  of  their  being  all  superannuated  which  when  numerous 
may  easily  and  perhaps  almost  always  hapen.  To  your  Last 
S^-  I  think  Private  Benefactors  may  so  direct  the  use  of  their 
Donations  to  particular  persons  officiating  in  such  a  Scool  or 
business  and  to  the  particular  services  therof  at  the  discretion 
of  such  persons  as  shall  ever  be  known  by  some  distinguishing 
carecter,  as  to  be  of  very  good  effect,  but  not  equall  to  an 
Establishment  by  Law,  for  defect  of  power  of  goverment  and 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  15 

such  priviledges  not  in  the  power  of  benefactors  to  give.  To 
improve  y®  advantages  of  both  ways  will  not  be  too  much. 
Nothing  in  our  compass  is  to  be  omitted  to  prevent  future 
hazard  and  to  fix  a  thing  of  such  Consequence  upon  sure  and 
lasting  foundations. 

You  see  S'"- 

I  am  your  obedient  serv*- 

JE. 

To  the  R<i-  M^-  Abram  Peirson 

at  Bramford 
in  his  absence  to  M'"-  Sam^^-  Russel 
of  Bramford. 


VII.    Letter  of  Samuel  Sew  all  and  Isaac  Addington 

October  6,  1701 

enclosing  a  draft  of  a  Charter 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

These  documents,  sent  in  pursuance  of  the  promise 
made  in  Judge  Sewall's  letter  of  September  17,  are  in 
Addington's  hand,  v^hile  the  Eev.  James  Pierpont  has 
contributed  some  additions  and  emendations  to  the  text 
of  the  enclosure,  which  are  here  indicated  in  footnotes. 

Boston,  Octob^  6*^  1701. 
Gent^ 

We  crave  your  pardon,  That  we  have  made  you  wait  long 
for  so  little.  We  might  frame  an  Excuse  from  the  present 
circumstances  of  Affairs,  and  say,  Multa  nos  impedierunt : 
But  there  is  another  cause  that  made  us  slow  and  feeble  in  our 
progress,  not  knowing  what  to  doe  for  fear  of  over-doing. 
And  that  is  the  reason  there  is  no  mention  made  of  any  Visi- 
tation, which  is  exceedingly  proper  and  beneficial :  All  humane 
Societies  standing  in  need  of  a  check  upon  them :  But  we  knew 


16  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

not  how  to  call  or  qualify  it,  but  that  in  a  little  time  it  might 
probably  prove  subversive  of  your'Designe.  We  on  purpose 
gave  your  Accademie  as  low  a  name  as  we  could  that  it  might 
the  better  stand  in  wind  and  weather,  not  daring  to  Incor- 
porate it,  least  it  should  be  liable  to  be  served  with  a  Writ  of 
Quo  Warranto. 

We  pray  you  to  accept  of  the  few  inclosed  minutes  for  an 
Act,  and  should  have  travelled  further  in  it,  if  your  Instruc- 
tions or  our  own  invention  had  dictated  to  us,  not  knowing 
well  what  Scheme  to  project,  because  we  could  not  tell  how 
far  your  Government  will  encourage  the  designe. 

We  should  be  very  glad  to  hear  of  flourishing  Schools  and 
a  Colledge  at  Connecticut,  and  it  would  be  some  releife  to 
us  against  the  sorrow  we  have  conceived  for  the  decay  of 
them  in  this  Province.  And  as  the  end  of  all  Learning  is  to 
fit  men  to  search  the  Scriptures  that  thereby  they  may  come 
to  the  saving  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ :  We  make  no  doubt 
but  you  will  oblige  the  Rector  to  expound  the  Scriptures 
diligently  morning  and  evening. 

Praying  God  to  direct  and  bless  you,  beyond  what  your- 
selves do  understand  or  hope  for 

We  take  leave  and  remain 

S^s- 

Your  affectionate  humble  Servants 

Sam  Sewall 
Is^-  Addington 

To  M^-  Thomas  Buckingham 
Minister  of  the  Gospel 
at  Seybrooke. 

Connecticut  in 
New  England. 

An  Act  for  Founding  of  a  Collegiate  School. 

Whereas  several  well  disposed  and  publick  spirited  Per- 
sons, of  their  sincere  regard  to,  and  zeal  for  the  upholding 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  17 

and  propagating  of  the  Christian  protestant  Religion  by  a 
succession  of  Learned  and  Orthodox  men,  have  expressed^ 
their  Earnest  desires  That  a  Collegiate  School  be  founded  and 
sutably  Endowed^  ^Yithin  this  his  Majesties  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut,^ For  the  Educating  and  Instructing  of  Youth  in  good 
Literature,  Arts  and  Sciences;  That  so  by  the  blessing  of 
Almighty  God  they  may  be  the  better  fitted  for  publick  Im- 
ployment  both  in  the  Church  and  in  the  Civil  State. 

And  have*  manifested  their  mllingness  to  contribute 
towards  the  charge'  of  such  School. 

To  the  Intent  therefore  That  all  due  Encouragement  be 
given  to  such  pious  Resolutions,  And  that  so  necessary  and 
religious  an  Undertaking  may  be  set  forward  and  supported. 

Be^  it  Enacted  by  the  Governour  and  Company  of  the  said 
Colony  of  Connecticut  in  General  Court  assembled.  And  it 
is  Enacted  and  Ordained  by  the  Authority  of  the  same.  That 
there  be  a  Collegiate  School  forthwith  founded  and  set  up  in 
the  Town  of  within  this  Colony,  And  that 

A.  B.  and  C.  Masters  of  Art  and  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and 
E.  F.  Gent^-  being  all  Inhabitants  within  the  said  Colony,  be 
and  hereby  are  nominated  and  appointed  Trustees  for  the 
said  School ;  with  full  power  to  contract  agree  for,  erect  and 

1  Add  "by  petition." 

2  For  "a  Collegiate  School  be  founded  and  sutably  Endowed,"  read:  "full 
Liberty  &  priviledge  be  granted  for  the  founding  and  sutably  Endowing  a 
collegiate  School. ' ' 

3  Add  "unto  certain  undertakers." 

*  For  ' '  have, ' '  read :  ' '  sundry  having. ' ' 

5  For  ' '  charge, ' '  read :  ' '  encouragement- ' ' 

6  For  this  entire  paragraph  read :  "Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Governour  and  Com- 
pany of  the  said  Colony  of  Connecticut  in  General  Court  now  assembled  And  it 
is  Enacted  and  Ordained  by  the  Authority  of  the  same;  That  there  be  full  liberty, 
priviledge  &  right  granted  unto  A.  B.  and  C.  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  being  all 
Inhabitants  within  the  said  Colony,  &  now  proposed  to  us  as  Partners  in  s^. 
undertaking  for  the  said  School,  to  erect,  sett  up,  form,  direct,  order,  improve, 
establish,  &  att  all  times  for  ye  future  in  all  suitable  ways  to  encourage  the  same, 
in  such  convenient  place  or  places,  &  in  such  form,  manner  &  Rules  as  to  them 
shall  seem  meet  &  most  conducive  to  the  aforesaid  end  thereof,  and  to  Imploy  the 
money  which  shall  be  granted  by  this  Court,  or  otherwise  contributed  to  that  use 
accordingly  from  time  to  time  &  att  all  times  henceforward." 


18  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

set  up  such  house  and  houseing  in  aforesaid  as 

shall  be  necessary  and  convenient  for  the  holding  and  keeping 
of  such  School,  and  to  furnish  the  same  for  that  end,  and  to 
Imploy  the  money  which  shall  be  granted  by  this  Court,  or 
otherwise  contributed  to  that  use  accordingly. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
That  the  beforenamed  Trustees^  together  with  such  others  as 
they  shall  associate  to  themselves,  so  as  not  to  exceed  the 
number  of  ^  in  the  whole,  and  their  successors,  to  be 

from  time  to  time  nominated  by  themselves  as  any  one  or 
more  of  those  first  named  or  associated  shall  happen  to  dye, 
Be  and  hereby  are  further  Impowered  and  Authorized  from 
time  to  time  and  at  all  times  for  ever,  to  have  the  oversight, 
direction,  rule,  Order  and  Government  of  the  said  School; 
And  to  provide,  place  and  settle  a  Rector  vnth.  Tutors  and 
other  Officers  proper  and  necessary  for  the  teaching.  Instruct- 
ing, ruling  and  governing  of  the  Schollars  that  from  time  to 
time  shall  be  sent  thither  for  Education,  And  to  make  and 
constitute  such  Rules,  Orders  and  Laws  for  that  end,  as  are 
usual  and  customary  in  such  Societies;  so  as  such  Rules, 
Orders  and  Laws  be  not  repugnant  to  the  Laws  of  the  Govern- 
ment ;  As  also  to  confer  degrees  upon  such  Schollars  educated 
there,  who  by  their  good  manners  and  proficiency  in  Learning 
shall  be  judged  worthy  of  the  same,  as  is  usual  and  accustomed 
at  Haiward  Colledge  in  Cambridge  within  the  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England. 

And  whereas  the  principles  of  the  Christian  protestant 
Religion  are  excellently  comprised  in  the  Confession  of  Faith 
composed  by  the  Reverend  Assembly  of  Divines  sitting  at 
Westminster,  And  by  the  Learned  and  ludicious  D^-  Ames 
in  his  Medulla  Theologize,  The  Rector  of  the  said  School  is  to 
give  in  charge,  and  take  special  care  that  the  said  Booke  be 
diligently  read  in  the  Latin  Tongue,  and  well  studyed  by  all 
Schollars  educated  in  the  said  School. 

And  it  is  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid 

1  For  Trustees  read :  ' '  Partners  &  undertakers. ' ' 

2  Insert  ' '  eleven. ' ' 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  19 

That  the  said  Trustees  and  their  Successors  be  and  hereby  are 
further  Impoured  to  have  accept  take  acquire  &  purchase  any 
Lands,  Tenements  and  Hereditaments  to  the  use  of  the  said 
School,  not  exceeding  the  value  of  ffive  hundred  pounds  p^ 
annum,  and  any  Goods,  Chattels  sum  or  sums  of  money  what- 
soever, as  from  time  to  time  shall  be  freely  given  bequeathed 
devised  or  setted  by  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever  upon, 
and  to  and  for  the  use  of  the  said  School,  towards  the  founding 
Erecting  or  Endowing  of  the  same.  And  to  Sue  for  recover 
and  receive  all  such  gifts.  Legacies,  bequests,  annuities.  Rents 
issues  and  Profits  ariseing  therefrom  and  to  imploy  the  same 
accordingly.  And  out  of  the  Estate  Revenues,  Rents,  profits 
and  incomes  accrueing  and  belonging  to  the  said  School,  to 
support  and  pay  the  Rector,  Tutors  and  other  Officers  their 
respective  annual  salaries  or  allowances. 


VIII.     Offer  of  James  Fitch 

October  16, 1701 

to  give  land  and  materials  to  provide  for  the  erection  of 
a  College  building 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

Major  Fitch,  of  Plainfiield,  Connecticut,  was  at  this 
date,  and  for  many  years,  one  of  the  Governor's  Assist- 
ants, or  Upper  House  of  the  General  Assembly ;  and  his 
offer  appears  to  have  been  designed  to  facilitate  the  pas- 
sage of  the  Charter.  He  vras  a  son  of  the  first  minister 
of  Norwich,  Connecticut,  and  one  of  the  largest  landed 
proprietors  in  the  Colony. 

Subsequently,  the  land  now  offered  was  the  subject  of 
a  prolonged  legal  controversy;  but  it  has  not  seemed 
necessary  to  print  these  details. 

In  that  it  hath  pleased  y*  Lord  our  God  as  a  token  for  Good 
to  us  &  children  after  us  To  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  his  faith- 
full  ministers  to  take  soe  great  paines,  and  be  at  soe  con- 


20  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1701 

siderable  charge  for  setting  up  of  a  Coledgiat  School  amongst 
us  &  now  for  farther  promoating,  of  this  God  pleasing  worke, 
I  humbly  freely  &  heartily  offer,  on  demand  to  provid  glass 
for  a  house,  and  if  people  doe  not  come  up  to  offer  what  is 
reasonable  &  needfull,  that  I  will  then  provid  nails  of  all  sorts 
to  be  used  in  building  a  house  &  hall.  21y  I  give  a  farme,  637 
Acrs  of  land  &  when  I  come  home  I  will  send  y^  draft  and 
lajdng  out  to  M^-  Dan^i-  Taylor  that  he  may  make  such  a  Deed 
proper  in  such  a  case ;  the  farme  I  value  at  150^-  I  will  allsoe 
take  some  paines  to  put  it  in  a  way  of  yearely  profitt.  30^ 
charge  I  hope  ^\dll  bring  20^  per  yeare  in  a  little  time. 

James  Fitch. 
Newhaven 

Octob^-  16  1701 


IX.    The  Charter  of  the  Collegiate  School 

October,  1701 

[From  the  official  copy  in  the  University  Archives] 

The  General  Court  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  began 
its  autumn  session  on  Thursday,  the  ninth  day  of 
October,  and  all  the  Acts  of  the  session  bear  that  date. 
The  day  on  which  the  Charter  v^as  passed  is  not  certainly 
known,  but  was  probably  the  sixteenth. 

By  the  Gov™,  in  Council  &  Representatives  of  his 
Majties  Colony  of  Connecticot  in  Gen^i^  Court 
Assembled,  New-Haven,  Oct'*  9 :  1701 : 

Aisr  ACT  FOR  Liberty  to  erect  a  Collegiate  School  : 

WHEREAS  several  well  disposed,  and  Publick  spirited 
Persons  of  their  sincere  Regard  to  &  Zeal  for  upholding  & 
Propagating  of  the  Christian  Protestant  Religion  by  a  succes- 
sion of  Learned  &  Orthodox  men  have  expressed  by  Petition 
their  earnest  desires  that  full  Liberty  and  Priviledge  be 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  21 

granted  unto  Certain  Undertakers  for  the  founding,  suitably 
endowing  &  ordering  a  Collegiate  School  within  his  Maj*^^^ 
Colony  of  Connecticot  wherein  Youth  may  be  instructed  in 
the  Arts  &  Sciences  who  thorough  the  blessing  of  Almighty 
God  may  be  fitted  for  Publick  employment  both  in  Church  «& 
Civil  State. 

To  the  intent  therefore  that  all  due  incouragement  be  Given 
to  such  Pious  Resolutions  and  that  so  necessary  &  Religious 
an  undertakeing  may  be  sett  forward  supported  &  well 
managed. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Govern^  &  Company  of  the  s*^  Colony 
of  Connecticot,  in  General  Court  now  Assembled,  And  it  is 
enacted  &  ordained  by  the  Authority  of  the  same  that  there  be 
&  hereby  is  full  Liberty  Right  and  Priveledge  Granted  unto 
the  Reverend  M'"  James  Noyes  of  Stonnington,  M^  Israel 
Chauncey  of  Stratford,  M'"  Thomas  Buckingham  of  Saybrook 
M^"  Abraham  Pierson  of  Kennelworth  M'"  Samuel  Mather  of 
Windsor  M^  Samuel  Andrew  of  Millford  M^  Timothy  Wood- 
bridge  of  Hartford  M^  James  Pierpont  of  New  Haven  M^ 
Noadiah  Russel  of  Middletown  M^  Joseph  Webb  of  Fairfield 
being  Rev^*^  Ministers  of  the  Gospel  &  inhabitants  within  y^ 
s*^  Colony  Proposed  to  stand  as  Trustees  Partners  or  LTnder- 
takers  for  the  s*^  School  to  them  and  their  successors,  To 
Erect  form  direct,  order  establish  improve  and  att  all  times 
in  all  suitable  wayes  for  the  future  to  Encourage  the  s<^  School 
in  such  convenient  place  or  Places,  &  in  such  form  &  mann^ 
&  und^  such  order  &  Rules  as  to  them  shall  seem  meet  &  most 
conducive  to  the  afores*^  end  thereof  so  as  such  Rules  or 
Orders  be  not  Repugnant  to  the  Laws  of  the  Civil  Governm* 
as  also  to  imploy  the  moneys  or  any  other  estate  which  shall 
be  Granted  by  this  Court  or  otherwise  Contributed  to  that  use 
according  to  their  discretion  for  the  benefit  of  the  s^  Collegiate 
School  from  time  to  time  &  att  all  times  henceforward. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  afores"^  that  the 
before  named  Trustees  Partners  or  undertakers  together  with 
such  others  as  they  shall  associate  to  themselves  (not  exceed- 
ing the  number  of  Eleven,  or  att  any  time  being  less  than 


22  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

Seven,  Provided  also  that  Persons  nominated  or  associated 
from  time  to  time  to  fill  up  s^  number  be  minist^^  of  the  gospel 
inhabiting  within  this  Colony  &  above  the  Age  of  forty  years) 
or  the  major  Part  of  them  the  s«^  M^-  James  Noyes,  Israel 
Chauncey,  Thomas  Buckingham,  Abraham  Pierson,  Samuel 
Mather,  Samuel  Andrew,  Timothy  Woodbridge,  James  Pier- 
pont  Noadiah  Russel,  &  Joseph  Webb  undertakers  &  of  such 
Persons  so  chosen  &  associated  as  aboves*^  att  any  time  here- 
after. Have  and  Shall  have  henceforward  the  oversight  full  & 
compleat  Right  Liberty  power  &  Priveledge  to  furnish  direct 
manage  order  improve  &  encourage  from  time  to  time  &  in  all 
times  hereaft'"  the  s^  Collegiate  School  so  Erected  &  formed 
by  them  in  such  ways  orders  &  manni"  &  by  such  Persons  Rector 
or  Master  and  officers  appointed  by  them  as  shall  according  to 
their  best  discretion  be  most  conducible  to  attaine  the  afores<i 
mentioned  end  thereof. 

And  Moreover  it  is  Enacted  &  ordered  by  the  Govern^ 
Council  &  Representatives  of  y®  Colony  afores"^  met  in  General 
Assembly  That  the  s*^  M^"  James  Noyes,  Israel  Chauncey, 
Thomas  Buckingham,  Abraham  Pierson,  Samuel  Mather, 
Samuel  Andrew,  Timothy  Woodbridge,  James  Pierpont, 
Noadiah  Russel  &  Joseph  Webb,  Undertakers  Trustees  or 
Partners  &  y^  s<^  Persons  taken  from  time  to  time  into  Partner- 
ship, or  associated  as  afores*^  mth  themselves.  Shall  Have  & 
receive  &  it  is  hereby  Given  &  Gkanted  unto  them,  the  full  & 
just  sum  of  one  hundred  &  twenty  pounds  in  Country  Pay  to 
be  paid  Annually  &  att  all  times  hereafter  until  this  Court 
order  otherwise  To  them  &  to  such  Person  or  Persons  only  as 
they  shall  appoint  &  impower  to  Receiv  the  same  to  be  faith- 
fully disposed  of  by  y^  s*^  Trustees  Partners  or  Und^takers 
for  the  end  afores*^  according  to  their  discretion  which  s<^  sum 
shall  be  raised  &  Paid  in  such  ways  &  mann^^  &  att  such  a 
value  as  y^  Country  Rates  of  s<i  Colony  are  &  have  been 
usually  raised  &  Paid : 

It  is  also  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  afores^  that  the 
s^  undertakers  &  Partners  &  their  successes  139  &  hereby  are 
further  impowered  to  have  accept  acquire  purchase  or  other- 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  23 

wise  lawfully  enter  upon  Any  Lands  Tenements  &  Hereditamt^ 
to  the  use  of  the  s*^  School  not  exceeding  the  value  of  five 
hundred  Pounds  p^  Ann,  &  any  Goods  Chattels  sum  or  sums 
of  money  whatsoever  as  have  heretofore  already  been  Granted 
bestowed  bequeathed  or  Given  or  as  from  time  to  time  shall  be 
freely  Given  bequeathed  devised  or  settled  by  any  Person  or 
Persons  whatsoever  upon  &  to  &  for  the  use  of  y®  s*^  School 
towards  the  founding  erecting  or  endowing  the  same  &  to  sue 
for  Recover  &  receiv  all  such  Gifts  Legacies  bequests  annuities 
Rents  issues  &  profits  arising  therefrom  &  to  imploy  the  same 
accordingly  &  out  of  y®  estate  Revenues  Rents  profits  incoms 
accrueing  &  belonging  to  s*^  School  to  support  &  pay  as  the  s*i 
Undertakers  shall  agree  &  see  cause  the  s*^  Rector  or  Master 
Tutors  Ushers  or  other  officers  their  Respective  annual 
Salaries  or  Allowances.  iVs  also  for  the  encouragem*  of  the 
Students  to  grant  degrees  or  Licences  as  they  or  those  deputed 
by  them  shall  see  cause  to  order  &  appoint. 


X.    Letter  of  Samuel  Mathee 

October  27, 1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author  was  a  nephew  of  Increase  Mather,  and  a 
classmate  at  Harvard  College  of  Judge  Samuel  Sewall. 
He  had  preached  for  some  time,  in  Milford  and  in  Bran- 
ford,  Connecticut,  before  going  in  1681  to  Windsor, 
where  he  continued  until  his  death  in  1728.  The  condi- 
tion of  his  health  prevented  him  from  taking  active  part 
at  any  time  in  the  business  of  the  College ;  though  he  con- 
tinued nominally  a  Trustee  until  superseded  by  legal 
action  in  1724. 

Windsor,  Oct.  27,  1701. 
Rev<3-  S"- 

I  have  been  ill  off  late  and  now  cannot  write  with  my  own 
hand ;  wherefore  I  use  another,  to  signifie  unto  j'ou,  in  answer 


24  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1701 

to  your  Lines,  that  my  heart  is  much  in  that  matter  of  a  Colle- 
giate Scliole,  &  will  do  w*- 1  can  to  further  it.  My  mind  is  fully 
fixt  in  that  New-haven  to^vn  Plat  is  y^  best  place  for  such  a 
Scliole.  I  have  not  been  able  as  yet  to  discourse  y^  neighbour- 
ing ministers  concerning  y*-  matter.  This  all,  att  present, 
from  your  ffriend  &  fellow  Labourer  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 


Sam^^-  Mathee 


To  the  Reverend 
M^-  Thomas  Buckingham 
M^-  Abraham  Piarson 
M""-  James  Pierpoint — 
met  at  Saybrook 


XI.    Letter  of  James  Notes 

October  28, 1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author,  son  of  the  Rev.  James  Noyes,  of  Newbury, 
Massachusetts,  was  born  in  March,  1640,  and  graduated 
at  Harvard  College  in  1659.  He  began  to  preach  in 
Stonington,  Connecticut,  in  1664,  and  continued  there 
until  his  death  in  1719.  He  was  the  senior  member  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School. 

He  had  attended  the  meeting  of  the  General  Court 
when  the  charter  was  granted;  but  in  the  jDresent  letter 
excuses  himself  from  coming  to  the  first  Trustee  meeting. 

His  brother  and  classmate,  Moses  Noyes,  the  minister 
of  Lyme,  was  made  a  Trustee  in  1703. 

Stonningt-  Qctob^-  28*^-  1701. 

Reu^^-  S^-  Yours  came  to  hand  subscribed  by  the  other 
Reu*^-  Gentl°-  Vnto  them  &  you  I  giue  my  seruice  w*^-  hearty 
thanks  for  your  kindness  when  w*^-  you.    In  answer  to  your 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  25 

letter,  I  return  that  I  am  aged  crazie  my  will  is  more  than 
my  streneth.  We  rod  early  &  late  coming  home  &  I  haue  not 
been  well  since  I  came  home.  I  know  noe  call  I  have  to  come 
or  any  trust  put  in  me  as  to  that  matter,  further  then  volun- 
tarily for  my  self  I  am  engaged;  to  me  it  is  a  journey  ouer 
two  rivers,  &  I  am  at  the  extreame  part  of  the  Collony.  I 
haue  not  seen  M^-  Treat  since  my  return.  Prouably  my 
brother  ^\dll  be  with  you.  I  doe  hereby  desire  &  impower  him 
to  giue  out  of  my  books  at  his  house  my  full  proportion,  & 
in  nothing  I  would  be  behind  hand  in  so  publick  a  good  & 
shall  take  all  opportunities  to  promote  it  but  hope  M^-  Salton- 
stall  a  young  active  man  will  excite  others  of  this  County,  my 
remoteness  disadvantageth  me  to  Conuerse  w^-  them.  I 
humbly  praye  the  god  of  heauen  to  direct  &  spirit  you  in  the 
matter  (that  are  intrusted  &  haue  a  full  Call  thereto)  &  also 
to  succeed  the  motion  w*^-  his  smile  thereon,  for  his  glory  & 
the  publick  interest,  &  also  I  beleive  what  you  doe  therein  will 
be  accepted  of  god  &  men  &  will  at  last  haue  a  full  reward, 
in  w<^^-  I  would  put  in  for  a  share  according  to  my  poore 
capacitie,  under  many  disaduantages  whoe  must  alwayes 
humbly  subscribe  my  self 

Your  real  friend  &  very  seruant 

Ja.  Noyes  Sen^- 

I  send  to  you  because  I  haue  a  letter  at  the  post  house  in  w<^^ 
I  can  putt  this  &  you  are  more  in  the  waye  of  the  post  then 
M^-  Buckingham  I  suppose. 

J.N. 

I  intend  at  night  to  write  more  fully  to  my  deare  brother  at 
Lime  w^^-  order  about  books  that  I  will  send  as  soone  as  I  can. 

These 
For  the  Reu'"*^-  M^-  James  Pierpont 
past^-  of  y«  Chh  of  Christ  at 
Newhauen 


26  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

XII.    Letter  of  Samuel  Sew  all 

October  29, 1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

Mr.  Woodbridge,  who  is  mentioned  in  the  last  para- 
graph of  this  letter,  was  named  as  an  original  Trustee; 
but  was  not  present  to  take  part  in  the  earliest  confer- 
ences of  the  Board. 

Boston;  Ocf-  29,  1701. 
Sir, 

Your  Letters  of  the  15*^-  &  16*^-  Inst*-  are  come  to  hand 
-^ch.  gave  Mr.  Addington  and  me  a  great  deal  of  pleasure,  to 
see  that  you  had  so  soon  got  an  Act  pass'd  for  the  erecting  of 
a  College  in  your  Colony;  and  to  have  Mr.  Buckingham's  own 
Hand  as  a  sure  Testimony  of  his  being  alive ;  after  the  Rumor 
we  had  of  his  being  dead ;  which  made  us  sad. 

It  would  be  an  ample  Reward  of  any  thing  we  have  done 
for  you,  if  you  would  send  us  a  fair  authentick  Copy  of  the 
Act :  W^^-  we  desire ;  as  also  of  the  Place  where  the  College  is 
to  be,  so  soon  as  you  have  Appointed  it 

Present  our  hearty  Service  to  Mr.  Chauncy,  Buckingham, 
Pierson  and  Saltonstall. 

Mr.  Tim^-  Woodbridge  remains  lame  here  by  reason  of  a 
Humor  fallen  into  his  right  Legg.  We  are  generally  in 
health. 

I  am  Sir,  your  Serv*- 

Sam  Sewall 

For  the  Rever^-  Mr.  James  Pierpont 
at  New-Haven 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  27 

XIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

November  11,  1701 

[From  an  early  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the 
University  Archives] 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Collegiate  undertakers  holden  at  Say 
Brook  Novembr  11*^  An^  Dom.^i  1701 


Present  the  'Rev^ 


Israel  Chauncey 
Thomas  Buckingham 
Abraham  Pierson 
Samuel  Andrew- 
James  Pierpont 
Noadiah  Russell 
Joseph  Webb 


Whereas  it  was  the  glorious  publick 


design  of  our  now  blessed  fathers 
in  their  Removal  from  Europe  into 
these  parts  of  America,  both  to 
plant,  and  under  y<'  Divine  blessing 
to  propagate  m  this  Wilderness, 
the  blessed  Reformed,  Protestant 
Religion,  in  y^  purity  of  its  Order, 
and  Worship,  not  onely  to  their 
posterity,  but  also  to  y^  barbarous  Natives:  In  which  great 
Enterprize  they  wanted  not  the  Royal  Commands,  &  favour 
of  his  Maj*^®-  Charles  y^  Second  to  authorize,  &  invigorate 
them. 

We  their  unw^orthy  posterity  lamenting  our  past  neglects  of 
this  Grand  errand,  &  Sensible  of  our  equal  Obligations  better 
to  prosecute  y^  Same  end,  are  desirous  in  our  Generation  to 
be  Serviceable  therunto — Whereunto  the  Liberal,  &  ReUigious 
Education  of  Suitable  youth  is  under  y^  blessing  of  God,  a 
chief,  &  most  probable  expedient.  Therefore  that  w^e  might 
not  be  wanting  in  cherishing  the  present  observable,  pious  dis- 
position of  many  wellminded  people  to  Dedicate  their  Chil- 
dren, &  Substance  unto  God  in  such  a  good  service,  and  being 
our  selves  w*^  Sundry  other  Rev^-  Elders  not  only  desired  by 
our  godly  people  to  undertake  as  Trustees  for  Erecting,  form- 
ing. Ordering,  &  Regulating  a  Collegiate  School,  for  y^  ad- 
vancement of  such  Education ;  But  having  also  obtained  of  our 
present  Religious  Goverment,  both  full  Liberty,  &  Asistance 
by  their  Donations  to  such  an  use,  tokens  likewise  that  par- 
ticular persons  wall  not  be  w^anting  in  their  beneficence,  Do  in 


28  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1701 

duty  to  God,  &  the  weal  of  our  Countrey  undertake  in  y® 
aforesd  design.  And  being  now  met  according  to  the  liberties, 
&  Aids  granted  to  us  for  y«  use  afores<i.  Do  Order  &  Appoint 
that  there  shal,  &  hereby  is  Erected  &  formed  a  Collegiate 
School,  Wherein  shal  be  taught  y«  Liberal  Arts,  &  Languages 
in  such  place,  or  places  in  Conecticut  as  the  sd  Trustees,  with 
their  Associates,  &  Successors,  do,  or  shal  from  time  to  time 
see  cause  to  Order.  For  the  more  Orderly,  &  effectual  man- 
agement of  this  Affair  we  agree  to,  &  hereby  appoint  &  Con- 
firm these  following  Rules. 

1 :  Circular  Letters  declaring  The  Occasion  of  meeting  Ap- 
pointing also  Time  And  place  Signed  by  any  Three  of  the 
Trustees  or  by  The  Rector  and  any  Two  of  them  which  Being 
Sufficiently  Sent  to  Each  of  the  other  Trustees  Shall  be 
Accounted  Sufficient  Warning  for  a  meeting  of  them  as  also 
Seasonable  notice  Given  to  Each  of  the  Trustees  of  a  meeting 
appointed  By  a  Quorum. 

2^7  Upon  Due  warning  as  aforesd  If  a  Quorum  onely  of  s^- 
Trustees  Do  actually  meet  their  Elections  Rules  or  Deter- 
minations In  any  Case  Whatsoever  Shall  be  Signified  to  The 
absent  Trustees  and  not  Be  reputed  Valid  Until  full  Two 
third  parts  of  the  Trustees  for  the  time  being  Do  approve  And 
ratifie  the  Same  But  in  Case  y*  on  s^-  warning  Less  Than  a 
Quorum  Do  actually  meet  then  their  s"^-  Determinations  rules 
and  orders  whatsoever  Unless  In  Cases  hereafter  now  Ex- 
cepted Shall  not  Be  accounted  valid  Until  all  the  Trustees  Do 
approve  and  Establish  The  Same. 

3iy  In  Cases  and  Seasons  (need  requiring  A  meeting)  when 
yet  The  Same  Cannot  yet  with  Conveniency  be  obtained, 
Circular  Letters  proposing  s^-  Cases  and  Sent  to  Each  of  s*^- 
Trustees  And  Desiring  their  opinion  and  Advise,  In  Such 
Cases    [  ]   full  two  third  parts  of  s^-  Trustees  Shall 

Concurr  in  and  Conclude  Shall  be  the  Determination  and  Issue 
Thereof  unless  in  Cases  of  delinquency 

4^y  That  the  Rector  Master  Usher  or  ushers  and  other  offi- 
cers Whomsoever  From  time  to  time  Chosen  Shall  Continue 
in  s*i  offices  Quamdiu  Bene  Se  Gesserint  In  Conformity  to  the 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  29 

rules  that  are  or  hereafter  Shall  Be  Established  By  s^- 
Trustees 

5  No  person  Accepting  the  place  of  a  Trustee  for  s^-  School 
Shall  Be  Discharged  from  his  trust  until  His  reasons  be 
accepted  as  Sufficient  By  at  Least  two  thirds  of  all  the 
Trustees  for  the  time  Being. 

6  No  orders  or  Rules  whatsoever  Establisht  as  afores*^-  By 
gd.  Trustees  Shall  Be  abrogated  By  Less  than  two  thirds  of 
s^-  Trustees  Actually  met  After  a  Due  Signification  of  the 
Designed  abrogation  having  been  Made  To  all  the  trustees  for 
the  time  Being 

7  No  person  Intrusted  with  the  Charge  of  ruling  or  Instruct- 
ing the  s*^-  School  or  Being  a  Student  therein  Or  receving  the 
revenues  or  Other  profits  Belonging  To  s^-  School,  Shall  at 
any  time  Be  Degraded  or  Expel'd  His  office  or  Station  But  by 
the  Rector  with  a  Quorum  of  Said  Trustees  Actually  met: 
from  whose  Sentence  and  Determination  An  appeal  Shall  be 
and  Hereby  is  allowed  To  be  Made  by  Such  A  Delinquent  If 
he  see  Cause  unto  the  whole  number  of  Trustee."  in  which 
Case  what  two  thirds  of  them  Shall  Conclude  upon  Chall  be 
the  final  issue  of  that  Case 

8 :  The  Rector  til  the  Trustees  otherwise  appoint  Shall  max  ^ 
and  Keep  A  record  of  all  matters,  Acts,  Conclusions,  Orders 
and  things  whatsoever  Proper  for  records  and  usual  in  Such 
Schools  to  Be  Registred 

As  also  to  put  Dow^n  the  names  of  Such  Trustees  as  Shall 
Preside  in  The  Several  meetings. 

9.  The  Trustees  And  Collegiate  officers  Shall  Be  Allowed  the 
reasonable  Expences  of  their  joumies  and  meetings  in  the 
Service  of  the  s^-  School  Out  of  the  Estate  Given  for  use  of 
the  School,  they  giving  in  their  Time  and  Labour : 

10.  The  Rector  and  Such  Neighbouring  ordain 'd  Minister  or 
Trustee  as  he  Shall  Desire  Shall  once  Every  year  audit  the 
Accounts  of  the  Collegiate  Receipts  revenues  And  disburse- 
ments made  by  The  Treasurer. 

11.  The  Rector  and  Such  Neighbouring  Ordained  Minister 
Or  Trustee  as  He  Shall  Desire  Shall  attend  the  Examination 


30  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 

of  Students  in  order  to  their  admission  And  finding  them  Duly 
prepared  And  Expert  In  Latin  and  Greek  Authors  both 
Poetick  and  oratorial  As  also  ready  in  making  Good  Latin 
Shall  Grant  them  admission  Into  Said  School 
12.  That  Shall  be  Accounted  a  regular  Admission  of  any 
Student  As  a  Member  of  s*^-  Collegiate  School  when  the  Rector 
and  usher  or  Tutor  When  There  Shall  be  Such  Appointed, 
Shall  Sign  a  Transcript  of  School  orders  prepared  By  the 
Student  which  he  Shall  observe  and  obey  During  his  Con- 
tinuance In  s*^-  School,  provided  his  parent  or  Guardian  To- 
gether with  himself  Shall  and  Do  also  Sign  to  Such  an  En- 
gagement As  this  following  As  it  Shall  be  found  Standing  on 
the  School  records 

We  whose  names  are  hereunto  Subscribed  Desiring  the  Bene- 
fits of  Education  In  the  Languages  and  Liberal  Sciences  In 
the  Collegiate  School  in  Connecticut  for  our  Children,  Do 
Therefore  Solemnly  Engage  and  promise  to  submit  our  s*^- 
Children  at  all  Times  during  their  Continuance  in  s*^-  School 
unto  the  Orders  rules  Discipline  and  Government  of  the  Same 
according  To  the  Appointments  of  the  Reverend  Trustees  of 
s*^-  School  And  we  the  s*^-  Children  Likemse  do  voluntaryly 
Submit  our  Selves  Severally  And  promise  y*  at  all  times  we 
will  {Deo  Juvante)  Carefully  Conform  our  Selves  Unto  s^- 
orders  that  are  or  hereafter  Shall  Be  Establish 't  By  s"^- 
Reverend  Trustees,  for  the  well  Government  of  s*^-  School, 
During  our  Continuance  therein  In  witness  whereof  we  Do 
the  s*^-  Day  and  Year  Set  to  our  hands 

The  fore  named  and  present  Trustees  Having  well  Considered 
The  Above  memorial  and  rules  do  unanimously  Agree  to,  and 
hereby  do  Establish  the  Same  in  mtness  whereof  we  do  order 
the  reverend  M^  Chauncy  to  Sign  the  same  In  our  names  and 
behalf. 

Israel  Chauncy 

Sundry  Orders  Rules  Acts  and  determinations  Agreed  upon 

and  Establish*  By  s<^-  Trustees  which  are  as  follows :  viz. 

1 :    Upon  mature  Consideration  that  so  all  parts  of  Connecti- 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  31 

cut  Colony  with  the  neighboring  Colony  may  be  best  accomo- 
dated it  was  Agreed  And  Concluded  on  By  the  present  Trus- 
tees y*-  unless  farther  Consideration  than  the  reasons  now 
Before  us  occur  and  offer  themselves  we  purpose  to  erect  and 
form  A  Collegiate  School  in  the  plantation  or  town  of  Say- 
Brook 

2:  After  much  Debate  and  Consideration  had  the  s*^- 
Trustees  present  Unanimously  Agreed  and  Concluded  to 
request  the  Reverend  Mr  Israel  Chauncy  under  the  title  and 
Character  of  Rector,  to  take  the  Care  of  Instructing  and 
ordering  the  s*^-  Collegiate  School,  And  accordingly  to  Conde- 
scend to  remove  Himself  and  family  as  there  hereafter  might 
be  occasion  from  Stratford  for  the  Better  Accommodating  of 
the  Colony  with  the  Cituation  of  s'^-  School  which  proposals 
the  s^-  reverend  Mr.  Chauncy  Considering  His  age  And  other 
Circumstances  was  pleasd  to  Decline  A  Complyance  with. 
3:  Whereupon  The  Trustees  made  the  same  proposals  and 
motion  To  the  Reverend  Mr.  Abraham  Pierson  who  after  Con- 
sideration was  Pleasd  to  take  the  s<^  proposals  into  His 
farther  Consideration  and  Until  Such  time  As  he  shall  Give 
His  answer  to  a  Quorum  of  s*^  Trustees  will  take  the  Charge 
of  such  Students  as  the  Country  shall  see  Cause  Henceforward 
to  send  unto  him. 

4:  It  was  farther  Agreed  y*-  an  order  should  Be  Given  to 
the  Reverend  M^-  Pierson  Impowering  Him  forthmth  to  take 
the  Charge  of  s<^-  School  as  aboves*^-  and  that  he  shall  be  recom- 
pensed mth  Honourable  Allowance  for  this  Labour  According 
to  the  work  y*-  in  the  mean  time  shall  be  put  upon  him. 
5 :  That  there  shall  be  a  record  made  and  kept  in  the  s*^- 
school  of  the  names  of  Benefactors  to  s<i-  school,  and  of  their 
Donations  That  so  due  marks  of  regard  may  be  (from  time  to 
time)  put  upon  such  persons  and  their  posterity  by  the  s«^ 
Collegiate  School. 

6:  The  Trustees  above  named  nominate  and  appoint  the 
Reverend  Mr  Samuell  Russell  of  Branford  to  be  associated 
and  he  Hereby  is  Chosen  and  associated  with  ourselves  as  a 
Trustee  for  Compleating  the  number  of  Eleven. 


32  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY [1701 

Sundry  orders  and  determinations  with  respect  to  the  Rector 
For  the  time  Being  and  his  work. 

1  The  s^-  Rector  shall  take  Especial  Care  as  of  the  moral 
Behaviour  of  the  Students  at  all  Times  so  with  industry  to 
Instruct  and  Ground  Them  well  in  Theoretical  devinity  and 
to  that  End  Shall  neither  By  Himself  nor  by  any  other  person 
Else  whomsoever  allow  them  to  be  Instructed  and  Grounded 
in  any  other  Systems  or  Synopses  of  Divinity  than  such  as 
the  s*^-  Trustees  do  order  and  appoint  But  shall  take  Effectual 
Care  that  the  s^  students  be  weekly  in  such  seasons  as  he  shall 
see  Cause  to  appoint  Caused  memoriter  To  recite  the  Assem- 
blies Catechism  in  Latin  and  Ames's  Theological  Theses  of 
which  as  Also  Ames's  Cases,  He  shall  make  or  Cause  to  Be 
made  from  time  to  time  such  Explanations  as  may  be  (through 
the  Blessing  of  God)  most  Conducive  to  their  Establishment 
in  the  Principles  of  the  Christian  protestant  Religion. 
2 :  That  the  s<^  Rector  shall  also  Cause  the  Scriptures  Daily 
(Except  the  Sabbath)  morning  and  Evening  to  be  read  by  the 
Students  at  the  times  of  prayer  in  the  School  according  to  the 
Laudable  orders  and  usages  in  Harvard  College  making  Ex- 
positions upon  the  same,  and  upon  the  Sabbath  Shall  Either 
Expound  practical  Theology  or  Cause  the  Students  non 
Graduated,  to  Repeat  Sermons,  and  in  all  other  ways  accord- 
ing to  his  Best  Discretion  shall  at  all  times  studiously  Indeav- 
our  in  the  Education  of  s*^-  students  to  promote  the  power  and 
Purity  of  Religion  and  Best  Edification  and  peace  of  these 
New  England  Churches. 

3:  The  s*^  Rector  with  Himself  and  Either  the  Tutor  or 
tutors  when  there  shall  Be  such  shall  have  power  to  punish  the 
non  Graduated  Students  According  to  their  faults  Either  by 
Imposing  Extraordinary  School  Exercises  or  by  Degrading 
them  in  their  several  Classes  without  the  Benefit  of  appeal 
for  the  Delinquents. 

4 :  That  the  Rector  or  Tutors  until  the  Trustees  Do  otherwise 
farther  provide  Shall  make  use  of  the  orders  and  institutions 
of  Harvard  College  for  the  instructing  and  Ruling  of  the 
Collegiate  School  so  far  as  he  or  they  shall  Judge  them  suit- 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  33 

able  and  wherein  we  have  not  at  this  present  meeting  made 
provision. 

5 :  That  the  Rector  with  two  such  of  the  trustees  as  He  shall 
Call  Together  with  the  Tutor  or  Tutors  when  there  shall  Be 
such  shall  annually  some  time  in  September  at  the  time  and 
place  which  the  s*^  Rector  shall  appoint  attend  the  Examina- 
tion of  the  Candidates  whereupon  approving  themselves  Duly 
Qualified  shall  Grant  under  the  hand  of  s*^-  Rector  and  two 
Trustees  unto  the  Several  Candidates  according  to  Their  true 
merits  A  Diploma  or  Licence  for  Degrees  of  Batcheler  or 
Master. 

6:  Each  undergraduate  or  non  Licenced  Student  Shall  By 
His  parent  or  Guardian  pay  to  the  Rector  or  Tutor  for  his 
tuition  30  Shillings  per  annum  In  Country  pay  at  price 
Currant  in  the  Country  And  Each  Graduate  During  His  Resi- 
dence under  the  Benefit  of  s*^-  School  Shall  pay  10^-  Per  annum 
In  Like  pay  and  price. 

7  That  undergraduates  Shall  at  the  Discretion  of  the  Rector 
have  the  Benefit  of  the  Collegiate  Library  for  their  assistance 
in  their  Studies. 

8  That  at  the  Expiration  of  4  years  Continuance  in  their 
Studies  and  under  the  orderance  of  the  Collegiate  School  Any 
person  not  Culpable  and  Convicted  of  Gross  Ignorance  or 
Scandalous  Immoralities  Shall  on  His  Desire  and  at  his 
Charge  receive  a  Diploma  or  Licence  for  the  Degree  of 
Batchelors,  And  from  thence  at  the  Expiration  of  3  years 
more  so  as  in  all  to  Complect  the  number  of  7  years  shall 
receive  upon  his  Desire  and  Charge  a  Diploma  or  Licence 
for  Magister,  But  for  the  Especial  Encouragement  of  Stu- 
dents in  Their  industry  and  good  Literature  as  well  as  for  the 
Ease  of  their  parents  Charges  we  not  onely  Disallow  of 
Publick  Commencements  and  forbid  the  same  at  all  times  But 
agree  y*-  If  the  Students  any  of  them  shall  demand  Their 
Diploma  or  Licence  at  the  Expiration  of  3  years  and  from 
thence  of  2  full  years,  they  shall  and  hereby  we  order  and 
appoint  that  they  do  receive  the  same  provided  they  shall 


34  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1701 

stand  and  be  accepted  upon  such  probation  of  their  Qualifica- 
tions as  the  s<^-  Trustees  shall  institute  or  Conclude  upon. 
9:  It  is  agreed  the  Trustees  (Deo  volente)  will  meet  and 
Hereby  do  appoint  To  meet  some  time  in  April  next  ensuing 
the  Date  Hereof  and  at  New  Haven  and  on  such  a  Day  as  the 
Rev<i  Mr.  Pierpont  shall  Appoint  and  send  seasonable  notice 
of. 

10  If  the  worshipfull  Nathaniel  Lynde  declines  The  Treas- 
urers Charge  Then  it  is  agreed  also  that  The  Reverend  M^ 
Andrew  M""  Pierpont  and  M'"  Samuell  Russel  or  any  Two  of 
them  shall  wait  on  M^  Richard  Rosewel  of  New  Haven  with 
Commendations  from  The  Collegiate  Trustees  and  their  unan- 
imous Request  That  he  would  Please  to  accept  the  Charge  of 
Treasurer  To  s*^-  school,  &  if  He  refuseth,  To  obtain  some 
other  Suitable  person  and  in  our  names  to  Give  him  order  To 
receive  and  Demand  donations  Both  publick  and  private  For 
the  Confirmation  and  Establishment  of  the  above  Institutions 
orders  and  rules.  We  the  present  Trustees  Do  Hereunto 
Subscribe  our  names 

Israel  Chauncy 
Thomas  Buckingham 
In  Concurrance  with  The  other  Abraham  Pierson 

Trustees  I  set  to  my  Hand  Sam^^  Andrew 

James  Noyes  ^^^^^  Pierpont 

NoADiAH  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 


1701]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  35 

XIV.    Letter  of  the  Trustees 

November  14,  1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

In  the  handwriting  of  James  Pierpont. 

Saybrook  Nov  14,  1701 
To  M^--  Nathan"-  Lynde  Esq'"- 

You  having  condescended  to  accept  in  behalf  of  The  Colle- 
giate Trustees  y^  charg  &  trust  of  a  Treasurer,  These  are  to 
request,  order  &  impower  you  to  ask,  demand,  sue  for,  recover 
&  receiv  for  o^-  use  in  y^  Service  of  s*^-  School  all  donations, 
bequests,  annuities  whatsoever  that  are  or  shall  be  bestowed 
on  us  as  Trustees  for  y^  use  of  s*^-  School,  &  of  the  same  to  be 
accountable  to  us  for  s'^-  use  until  we  otherwise  do  order  or 
appoint,  in  wittness  whereof  we  have  y^  day  &  year  above 
named  subscribd  o^-  names : 

Is^^-  Chauncy 
Tho:  Buckingham 

AbRAH  :    PlERSON 

Samuel  Andrew 
James  Pierpont 
noadiah  eussel 
Joseph  Webb 


36  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1701 


XV.    Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham 

December  15,  1701 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

A  report  to  the  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  the  progress 
of  the  scheme  which  he  had  helped  to  its  passage  through 
the  General  Court. 

Say-Brooke,  15  10^^-,  1701. 
Honorable  S^- 

Considering  the  Countenance,  It  hath  pleased  yo^-  honor, 
to  afford  unto  the  designe  of  founding  a  Collegiate  Schoole, 
within  this  Government,  I  have  thought  it  no  lesse  than  my 
duty  to  informe  yo^-  honor  what  proceedings  have  been  made 
in  that  affaire,  since  the  Cort. 

Seven  of  the  Trustees,  mentioned  by  the  honorable  assembly 
had  a  meeting,  at  this  towne  12  No^'"-  last  and  a  very  Com- 
fortable unanimous  meeting  wee  had,  very  well  agreeing  upon 
the  person,  who  under  the  name  of  Rector  might  preside  in, 
and  take  the  charge  of  s<^-  Schoole  (viz)  the  Rev^^-  M""-  Pierson. 
wee  alsoe  had  no  great  difficultie  about  the  place  (viz)  Say- 
brooke  (in  case  no  Consideration-  comes  in  to  alter  o^- 
thoughts)  that  appearing  to  bee  the  place  for  the  best  accom- 
odati^  of  the  Colonic  in  generall,  and  adjacent  places; 
whereupo  M^-  Nathaniell  Lynde  by  subscription  engaged  a 
legall  deed  of  his  house  in  the  Town  plat  with  eight  or  ten 
acres  of  land  Adjacient,  and  three  or  four  other  persons  sub- 
scribed to  the  value  of  fifty  pounds  in  money:  provided  the 
s<i-  Schoole  bee  at  Say-brooke. 

A  letter  from  the  Trustees  was  left  with  mee  to  the  people 
of  Kelingworth,  and  I  have  been  there  and  offered  it  to  them ; 
I  the  last  weeke  received  their  answ^-,  the  summe  of  which,  is 
that  they  doe  not  see  it  their  duty  to  consent  unto  the  parting 
with  M^-  Pierson.  I  doubt  if  they  should  persist  in  that 
answ^-  it  might  bee  an  occasion  to  worke  some  hindrance  to, 
and  possibly  some  confusion  about  that  so  good,  and  greate 
a  worke :  yet  o^-  god  whom  wee  desire  to  serve  is  able  to  make 


1702]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  37 

darknesse  to  bee  light  before  us  and  unto  him  wee  desire  to 
looke. 

S'"-  This  very  briefe  account  I  thought  my  duty  to  offer  to 
yo'"-  honor,  humbly  requesting  that  correction  or  further  direc- 
tion that  in  yo^-  Avisdome  you  shall  thinke  propper — which 
with  the  tender  of  my  humble  service,  desireing  god  to  bee 
with  and  blesse  you  in  all  yo''-  publicke  and  more  personall 
parts  of  duty  is  all  at  present  fr  S^-  yo^-  honors  very  humble 
servant 

Tho  :  Buckingham 
These 

for  the  Honorable,  John  Winthrop  Esq'"- 
Governor  of  his  Maj*^^^-  Colonie 
of  Connecticut,  in 
N.  London. 


XVI.    Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham 

February  25,  1702 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  the  minister 
of  New  London,  and  pastor  of  Governor  Winthrop. 

Say-Brooke  25.  ffeb.  1701/2 
Eevrnd-  S''- 

in  a  letter  from  the  westward,  I  find  these  sajdngs  which 
I  thinke  best  to  transcribe  to  yo'"-  selfe  verbatim. 

After  hearty  Condolence  of  y^  governors  sorrowe,  and 
prayers  y*-  he  may  be  spared  in  y^-  o''-  criticall  hour ;  however 
y*  he  and  you  may  bee  prepared  for  the  divine  good  pleasure. 
These  may  serve  to  suggest  whether  it  would  not  be  best  to 
jogge  M""-  Noyes  and  Saltonstall,  to  propose  to  the  Govern^- 
that  hee  would  testifie  his  regard  to  the  Collegiate  School. 
Hee  has  under  god  given  it  breath,  and  a  tender  beginning,  his 
benevolence  would  doubtlesse  norishe  it  to  farther  strength; 
bee   an   honorable   good   worke,   and   doubtlesse   acceptable 


38  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1702 

unto  god :  its  pity  hee  should  forget  it,  or  it  loose  his  kindnesse 
for  want  of  a  word. 

I  thought  meete  to  hand  these  sayings  to  yo^-  selfe,  and 
leave  them  to  yo''-  and  M^"-  Noyes  prudence  to  make  of  them 
what  you  thinke  good.  I  have  neither  Skill  nor  Corage  in 
manageing  such  affaires.  .   .   . 

Please  Sir  to  accept  o^-  services  to  yo^-  selfe  and  ladies,  and 
son,  and  all  friends, 

I  am  S^-  yo'"-  humble  servant 

Tho:  Buckingham. 

These 

ffor  ye  ReV^<i-  M^-  Saltonstall, 
pastor  to  y^  ch.  of  christ  at 
N.  London. 


XVII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  8,  1702 

[From  an  early  copy  of  the  original  minutes,  in  the 
University  Archives] 

Present  The  Rev^  At    a   meeting   of    The    Collegiate 

Israel  Chauncy  Trustees  in  New-Haven  April  8*^ 

Thomas  Buckingham         1702 

Abraham  Pierson  At  The  Last  meeting  The  Rev<^  M^ 

Sam^-  Andrew  Pierson   Being    Chosen   Rector   of 

Noadiah  Russel  the  Collegiate  School  desiring  op- 

Sam^i-  Russel  portunity  of  Consideration,  at  This 

James  Pierpont  present  meeting  He  gave  his   an- 

Joseph  Webb  swer.  viz.  That  He  Durst  Not  Re- 

fuse such  a  Service  for  God  and  His 
Generation,  But  Submitted  Himself  To  take  the  Charge  and 
work  of  Rector  Upon  him,  and  accordingly  would  remove  with 
his  family  as  might  be  most  Serviceable  To  the  s*^-  School 
Provided  God  open  his  way  and  the  Rev^  Trustees  Take  due 


1702]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  39 

Care  For  The  accommodation  and  Support  of  Himself  and 
family  in  s<^-  Service;  and  in  the  mean  Time  will  attend  the 
Rectors  work  According  To  the  rules  prepared  as  also  will 
Give  the  s*^-  Trustees  Seasonable  notice  of  His  final  Deter- 
minations. 

2:  The  late  worthy  Treasurer  to  The  Collegiate  School  M"^ 
Richard  Rosewel  Being  Deceased  The  Trustees  made  Choice 
of  M^  Jn^-  Ailing  Esq  of  New-Haven  To  be  Their  Treasurer, 
Who  accepted  of  that  Trust  whereupon  orders  Impowering 
Him  Therein  were  prepared  and  put  into  his  hand :  And  we  do 
desire  M""  Pierpont  in  our  Behalf  to  Direct  Him  as  There  is 
need. 

3  In  Consideration  of  the  Rectors  Hitherto  Labour  and  for 
his  support  In  the  Collegiate  work  for  the  present  in  his 
hand,  we  order  The  Treasurer  To  pay  or  Cause  to  be  paid 
unto  s<^  Rector  or  His  order  The  full  Sum  of  Twenty  pounds 
Currant  provision  pay : 

4  After  much  debate  and  Consideration,  The  Trustees  upon 
Sundry  weighty  Reasons  Concluded  That  the  place  for  the 
Collegiate  School  in  Connecticut  Shall  not  be  farther  East- 
ward Then  Say-Brook  or  westward  Than  New-Haven,  But 
the  farther  Determination  of  the  Definitive  Place  is  at  present 
Suspended:  

5 :  we  do  further  appoint  Till  further  orders  be  Taken  That 
if  the  Rev<i  M^  Pierson  Before  another  meeting  of  the  Trustees 
Complys  Actually  To  remove  His  family  in  service  of  s^- 
Collegiate  School  That  for  the  Present  There  be  at  the  Charge 
of  s'^-  Trustees,  due  provision  made  for  The  Entertainment 
of  His  family  in  the  Town  of  Say-Brook :  in  Confirmation  of 
the  premises  we  put  to  our  hands : 

Israel  Chauncy 
In  Concurrance  ^\^th  The  Thomas  Buckingham 

other  Trustees  I  set  to  Sam^'^  Andrew 

My  Hand  Noadiah  Russel 

James  Noyes  James  Pierpont 

Sam^^  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 


40  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1702 

XVIII.    Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham 

April  27,  1702 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  Mr.  Taylor  mentioned  in  this  letter  was  Daniel 
Taylor,  of  Saybrook. 

Say-Brooke  27.  Aprill,  1702 
Honored  S^- 

I  procured  M^-  Taylor  to  draw  a  draft  of  a  deed  of  yo'"- 
farme  to  y^  Collegiate  Schoole,  and  carried  it  to  N.  Haven, 
for  correcti^-  and  emendati^- :  y^  first  fault  found  with  it  was 
y*-  it  was  to  a  Collegiate  Schoole  in  Say-Brooke:  y^  second 
was  y*-  yo^-  Consort,  her  name  and  consent  was  not  in  it.  Of 
these  I  thought  good  to  give  intimati^-  that  so  you  may  send 
mee  her  name,  and  her  consent,  and  if  you  doe  with  her  con- 
sent to  have  it  to  y^  Collegiate  Schoole  in  Connecticut  with- 
out fixing  any  particular  place  or  no.  That  so  wee  may  not 
labor  in  vaine.  A  strong  designe  hath  risen  up  to  carry  it 
farther  westward :  it  is  not  yet  fixed ;  whether  the  continuing 
it  in  an  hovering  posture  bee  to  advantage  time  will 
discover 

M''-  Pierson  hath  not  yet  given  his  answ^-  positive  about  his 
remove;  hee  at  present  taketh  care  of  appearing  students  at 
Kenelworth,  and  upon  signification  of  his  resolve  to  remove  it 
is  agreed  that  care  bee  taken  for  his  accommodation  in  Say- 
Brooke  

Please  to  accept  o^-  hearty  service  to  yo^-  selfe  and  ladie. 
I  am  S^-  yo^-  humble  servant 

Tho:  Buckingham. 

These 

ffor  ye  worshipful-  major  James  ffitche.  Assistant 
at  Plainfield 


1702]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  41 

XIX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  30,  1702 

[From  an  early  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the 
University  Archives] 

Present  y®  Rev<i  At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees   at 

James  Noyes  Kennel-worth  Sep*-  30.  1702. 

Thomas  Buckingham  order 'd  That  the  Collegiate  School 
Abraham  Pierson  Be   Settled  In  the  Town  of  Say- 

Sam^i  Andrew  Brook  But  for  as  much  as  under 

James  Pierpont  present      Circumstances     the      sd 

Noadiah  Russel  School    Cannot    Conveniently    Be 

Sam^^  Russel  forthwith  removed  Therefore  it  is 

Israel  Chauncy  agreed  That  the  s*^^-  School  Be  Con- 

tinued at  Kennelworth  Till  provi- 
dence shall  Enable  the  Trustees  to  fix  the  same  in  s*^-  Say- 
Brook. 

1:  Upon  a  motion  of  the  Reverend  Rector  for  assistance  in 
the  instruction  of  Students  The  Trustees  do  nominate  and 
appoint  M'"  Daniel  Hooker  To  be  a  Tutor  for  whose  incourage- 
ment  and  Support  in  his  work  it  is  ordered  y*  out  of  the 
Colony  donation  the  Collegiate  Treasurer  Shall  pay  Annually 
To  s*^-  Tutor  during  his  Continuation  in  s^-  work  50  pounds  in 
Country  pay  Besides  the  Tuition  money  already  ordered :  we 
appoint  the  Rev*^  Noadiah  Russel  to  wait  upon  the  sd  M'" 
Hooker  with  our  Letters,  And  to  make  a  speedy  return  to  The 
Rev^  Rector,  of  the  Result 

2:  orderd  also  that  Every  and  each  non-graduate  Student 
actually  admitted  to  The  Collegiate  School  do  and  shall  repair 
unto  s<i-  School:  and  ordinarily  under  the  Government  and 
instructions  of  the  Same  to  remain :  and  at  no  Time  to  depart 
out  of  the  Town  where  s^-  School  is  or  Shall  be  kept  A\'ithout 
Liberty  obtained  of  the  Rector  or  his  Tutor :  and  that  no  such 
Person  shall  have  Liberty  Granted  of  Absence  from  s^-  School 
for  a  Longer  Space  of  time  Than  Two  months  within  the 
Compass  of  one  year :  and  That  no  such  s^-  Student  Shall  have 


42  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1702 

Liberty  to  remove  his  Studies  into  More  private  opportunities 
unless  on  Such  reasons  and  Grounds  as  shall  Be  approved  by 
s*^-  Rector,  Tutor,  or  Tutors  and  Two  Trustees :  notwithstand- 
ing Such  allowed  non-residence  s^-  Students  Shall  pay  Their 
full  tuition:  But  in  Case  that  any  Such  Student  Shall  obsti- 
nately violate  the  above  s^-  orders  He  shall  therefor  Be  so  far 
abridg'd  in  or  Excluded  from  the  Benefits  of  S*^-  School  ac- 
cording to  the  merit  of  his  or  their  Crimes,  as  s*^-  Rector  and 
A  Quorum  of  Trustees  shall  determine  reserving  as  Else- 
where is  provided  Liberty  for  the  Delinquent  to  make  his 
appeal. 

3:  order 'd  y*  the  Gentlemen  of  our  Government  ministry  of 
the  Colony  Benefactors  to  the  School  all  other  persons  of 
Liberal  Education  with  the  parents  And  Guardians  of  the 
Candidates  be  allowed  auditors  at  the  Commencement  From 
time  to  time. 

4:  order 'd  that  the  Rev<i  M^  Buckingham  of  Say-Brook  in 
our  Behalf  Receive  of  M^  Nathaniel  Lynde  a  Conveyance  and 
possession  of  his  Donation  to  s*^-  School,  and  to  make  such 
reparations  and  improvements  of  the  same  as  may  be  proper 
and  most  profitable  to  s<^-  School  until  farther  orders. 
5:  ordered  y*  The  Collegiate  Treasurer  as  soon  as  may  be 
do  Call  for  Receive  and  put  out  into  safe  hands  upon  Good 
Security  the  Several  Donations  That  are  or  shall  Be  made  to 
s*^-  School  as  may  be  profitable  to  the  same. 
6:  ordered  y*  with  what  we  have  already  appointed,  our 
Treasurer  Do  make  up  the  sum  of  50  pounds  of  Country  pay 
out  of  the  Country  Donation  Unto  the  Reverend  Rector  of 
the  School  which  according  to  our  present  Capacity  We  In- 
treat  he  would  accept  for  his  support  in  the  Service  of  s*^- 
School  until  the  first  of  February  next  Ensuing,  onely  Desire 
he  would  free  the  School  of  the  Charge  of  our  present  meeting. 
But  provided  we  cannot  obtain  a  Tutor  in  Convenient  time  yet 
That  the  Rector  must  Take  Care  of  all  the  present  Students, 
we  promise  To  make  farther  allowance  for  his  Great  Labour 
during  the  time  afore^^;  it's  farther  agreed  on  that  the  Trus- 
tees will  Indeavour  to  advance  a  hundred  pounds  in  Country 


1703] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


43 


pay  which  Sum  we  promise  To  the  Rev^  Rector  in  Considera- 
tion of  His  Trouble  and  Charge  In  removing  and  settling  His 
family  and  Himself  in  Say-Brook  for  the  Better  Service  of 
s<i-  School  in  a  Reasonable  Space  of  time ;  and  when  it  Shall 
please  God  He  Shall  remove  and  Settle  in  the  work  of  a 
Rector;  we  agree  to  pay  him  for  his  Salary  120  pounds  per 
annum  in  Country  pay;  ordered  y*  the  Treasurer  Buy  2  Good 
Paper  Books  fit  for  accounts  and  Records.    In  Confirmation  of 

the  premises  we  put  to  our  hands —      t  -vt 

^  '-  /'James  Noyes 

Israel  Chauncy 

Thomas  Buckingham 

Abraham  Pierson 

Sam^^  Andrew 

James  Pierpont 

noadiah  russel 

Sam^^  Russel 


XX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

March  18  and  September  15,  1703 

[From  an  early  copy  of  the  original  minutes,  in  the 
University  Archives] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Collegiate  Trustees  Held  at  Guilford 

March  18 :  1702/3 

Then  agreed  y*  in  addition  to  what  we 
Have  formerly  ordered,  The  Collegiate 
Treasurer  Pay  To  the  'Rev^  Rector 
Thirty  Pounds  in  Country  Pay  in  Con- 
sideration of  his  service  Til  the  first 
Week  in  April  next  Ensuing,  and  that 
he  either  Sell  or  send  of  what  provisions 
he  shall  this  year  receive  on  s*^-  School 
account  using  his  Best   Care  and  the 

advice  of  M^  Pierpont  for  the  Disposal  of  the  Same  to  the 

Best  advantage : 


Present  the  Rev*^ 
M^  Buckingham 
M'"  Pierson 
Mr  Woodbridge 
M^  Pierpont 
M^  Noad.  Russel 
Mr  Sam^i  Russel 


44 DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY [1703 

It  was  also  agreed  that  the  Rev*i  M^  Moses  Noyes  of  Lime 
should  be  desired  to  accept  the  Care  of  a  Trustee  In  the  room 
of  the  Rev<i  M^"  Chauncy  Late  Deceased. 

Signed  By  order  of  y^ 

Rev*^  Trustees  present 

James  Piekpont 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  for  the  Collegiate  School  in  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut  met  at  Say-Brook:  September,  15: 
1703- 

The  Trustees  Then  present  taking  into  Serious  Consideration 
the  Present  State  of  the  s<^-  School,  which  by  the  Blessing  of 
Heaven  hath  Been  so  Far  prospered,  and  the  number  of  Stu- 
dents encreased  as  Renders  it  Absolutely  necessary  y*  the  sd 
School  be  speedily  supply 'd  with  a  Tutor,  To  assist  the  Rector 
in  instructing  the  Students  of  the  s<^-  School,  The  Trustees  not 
Knowing  where  to  obtain  a  speedier  Supply  have  agreed  To 
Desire  S^  Hart  to  be  Assistant  to  the  Rector  in  the  place  of 
a  Tutor  pro  tempore,  and  til  the  Trustees  may  have  oppor- 
tunity of  further  Consideration  thereabout. 
It  was  then  agreed  By  the  s*^-  Trustees  y*  there  be  paid  to  M^" 
Daniel  Hooker  five  pounds  Country  pay  Besides  his  tuition 
money  for  his  service  in  s*^-  School.  Agreed  that  the  Rev<^ 
Rector  be  allowed  Forty  five  pounds  in  Country  pay  for  his 
pains  in  s^-  School  for  six  months  Succeeding  the  time  speci- 
fied at  the  Last  meeting  in  Guilford 

Abraham  Pierson 


Signed 


Thom's  Buckingham 
Moses  Noyes 
noadiah  russel 


1703]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  45 

XXI.    An  Act  of  the  Connecticut  General 
Assembly 

October,  1703 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  4,  p.  440, 
Hartford,  1868] 

It  is  ordered  and  enacted :  That  no  schollar  being  a  student 
in  the  Collegiate  School,  shall  be  entred  in  the  publick  list  of 
male  persons,  nor  be  rated  for  his  head ;  .  .  and  that  the  per- 
sons of  all  such  schollars  shall  be  exempted  from  watching 
and  warding  and  all  other  such  publick  service,  during  the 
whole  time  that  they  shall  continue  in  the  said  school. 


XXII.    An  Act  of  the  Goveenor  and  Council  of 
Connecticut 

October  21, 1703 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  4,  p.  454, 
Hartford,  1868] 

The  Governor,  with  his  Assistants  in  Council,  forming 
the  Upper  House  of  the  General  Assembly,  held  also 
separate  sessions,  in  the  intervals  between  the  sessions  of 
the  General  Court, — as  in  this  case. 

"Whereas  the  Rever^-  trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School 
erected  mthin  this  Colonic  have  pursuant  to  the  lawe,  title 
Briefs,  pag.  11^^-,  made  application  to  the  Govern^-  and  Coun- 
cil to  obtein  approbation  for  the  raising  such  a  summe  or 
summes  within  this  Colonic  by  a  brief  or  such  like  method  as 
shall  be  needfull  for  procuring  arid  upholding  a  tutor,  and  for 
further  promoting  of  the  said  school  by  building  or  otherwise : 
the  Council  having  taken  the  said  motion  into  consideration 
doe  see  good  to  approve  of  the  same,  and  doe  hereby  allow 
and  impower  the  said  reV^-  trustees  to  make  use  of  any  such 


46  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1704 

methods  in  the  nature  of  briefs  throughout  this  Colonie  for 
the  end  or  ends  aforesaid :  and  furthermore  the  Govern''-  and 
Councill  considering  the  very  hopefull  progresse  the  Tev^^- 
trustees  have  already  made  in  the  said  affair,  and  the  com- 
fortable appearance  that  the  said  school  under  the  prudent 
conduct  of  the  s<^-  trustees  will  (through  the  divine  blessing) 
conduce  to  the  advancing  of  the  interest  of  religion  and  gen- 
erall  good  of  this  Colonie,  doe  therefore  hereby  recommend 
the  aforesaid  approved  measures  to  all  persons  within  the 
said  Colonie,  not  doubting  but  there  will  be  in  all  a  generall 
readinesse  in  their  respective  stations,  and  according  to  their 
respective  circumstances  to  forward  so  good  a  worke. 


XXIII.    Peoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

February  22-23,  1704 

[From  an  early  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the 
University  Archives] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  for  the  Collegiate  School  in  Con- 
necticut held  at  Branford,  Feb:  22:  1703/4 

Present 


M^  Buckingham 
M''  Pierson 
M""  Woodbridge 
Ml"  Andrew 
M^  Pierpont 
Mr  Noad :  Russel 
M^  Sam"  Russel 


Order 'd  that  the  Collegiate  Treasurer 
pay  to  the  Rev^  Rector  the  Sum  of 
thirty  five  pounds  in  Country  pay  in 
Consideration  of  His  Labours  in  s*^- 
School. 

It  is  further  Requested  that  the  Rev*^- 
M^"  Buckingham  Do  in  Behalf  of  the 
Trustees,  Signify  to  S^  Hart  The  pre- 
sent Tutor  our  thanks  for  his  hitherto  Service :  And  that  we 
Request  his  Continuance  there,  and  for  His  incouragement  do 
offer  him  fifty  pounds  in  Country  Pay  at  Country  price  per 
annum  and  so  in  proportion  for  such  time  as  he  shall  see  Cause 
to  remain  a  Tutor,  The  money  for  the  pupils  Included  in  s<^ 
sum. 


1704]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  47 

For  The  preventing  of  irreligion  idleness  and  other  immo- 
ralities In  the  Students  it  is  ordered  y*  Every  Non  Graduated 
Student  without  sufficient  Reason  absenting  from  the  publick 
worship  of  God  on  Sabbaths  or  Publick  Lectures  in  the  town, 
or  fasts  or  Thanksgivings  Shall  Be  amerced  By  The  Rector 
for  Every  such  Default  not  above  Eight  pence;  for  Every 
omission  of  College  prayer  without  sufficient  Reason  The 
delinquent  shall  be  amerced  By  sd  Rector  not  above  two  pence 
Each  time;  for  Every  omission  of  appointed  Exercises  The 
Delinquent  Shall  Be  amerced,  by  s<^-  Rector  or  his  proper 
Tutor  not  above  four  pence  for  Each  default;  for  other  im- 
moralities The  Rector  is  hereby  Desired,  according  to  his 
wisdom,  To  punish  By  publick  Rebuke  or  Imposition  of  Con- 
fessions, or  admonition,  or  amercement  not  Exceeding  five 
Shillings  for  Each  Crime,  according  to  the  merit  of  the 
same:  and  w^e  further  order  that  Record  Be  made  of  such 
delinquents  and  from  time  to  time  there  Be  Delivered  to  the 
parents  or  Guardians  of  Such  Persons  an  account  of  the  sum 
Such  Students  are  or  shall  Be  amerced  for  the  afores<i  faults. 

Ordered  that  the  following  memorial  be  Sent  with  the  Brief 
to  all  the  towns  in  the  Colony  where  it  may  Be  proper  To 
improve  the  Same. 

God  having  as  a  Token  for  Good,  Disposed  our  Good  people 
to  Encourage  The  Settlement  of  a  Collegiate  School  which 
Through  the  Good  hand  of  providence  hath  been  prospered 
for  the  time  as  much  as  might  Reasonably  be  Expected,  the 
Trustees  unto  whom  the  Government  hath  Committed  the 
Care  of  that  aifair  have  thought  it  fit  in  the  first  Place  to  take 
notice  with  Due  thankfullness  to  God  of  the  Liberal  offers 
made  by  Sundry  Gentlemen  and  well  disposed  persons  of  Late 
Manifesting  their  Readiness  To  Incourage  a  Design  so  mani- 
festly Subservient  to  the  interest  of  Religion  as  well  as  to  the 
weal  of  our  people  and  their  prosperity;  and  next  from  a 
sense  of  that  tnist  Reposed  in  the  Trustees,  and  of  the  just 
Expectations  of  the  Country,  That  we  should  Consult  as  far 
as  is  Reasonable   The  accommodation  And  Benefit   of  the 


48  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1704 

Colony  in  General,  we  judge  it  Seasonable  to  Propose  to  Bene- 
factors that  have  offered  or  Shall,  That  they  would  Advance 
Such  Sums  as  God  Shall  Incline  y™-  to  in  the  Service  of  S^- 
Design  with  a  Regard  to  the  publick  and  General  Conveniency 
Which  ought  to  be  Considered  By  all,  and  at  the  Same  time  to 
Signify  What  further  Sums  they  Shall  be  ready  to  advance  If 
that  the  Trustees  may  in  Complyance  with  their  trust  Consult 
the  particular  Accommodation  of  Such  Benefactors. 
It  was  farther  ordered  y*  the  Collegiate  Trustees  pay  or 
Cause  To  be  paid,  an  hundred  pounds  in  Country  pay  unto 
the  Rev*^  Rector  or  his  order  at  or  before  the  25  Day  of  March 
next  Ensuing  the  Date  hereof,  which  is  on  the  Consideration, 
that  he  Remove  himself  and  family  to  Say-Brook,  and  there 
settle  for  the  Better  Service  of  the  Collegiate  School.  Pur- 
suant to  an  order  made  Sep*  30-1702 

Thomas  Buckingham 
t  :  woodbridge 
Sam^^  Andeew 
James  Pierpont 
noadiah  russel 
Samuel  Russel 


XXIV.     Statement  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Students 

February  23,  1704 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

In  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  James  Pierpont. 

To  the  Collegiate  School  in  Killingsworth  by  the  Trustees  att 
a  meeting  in  Brainford  feb  23 :  1703/4 

A  memorial: 

Whereas  by  the  good  hand  of  God  o^-  Country  have  been 
moved  to  promote  a  Collegiate  Society  in  this  Colony,  &  have 
seen  cause  to  designate  y®  care  of  y®  same  with  sundry  of 


1704]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  49 

yf-  [=their]  Ministers,  with  full  power  &  authority  according 
to  y^-  best  discretion  to  erect,  regulate  &  att  all  times,  to 
inspect  &  order  y®  s^-  Society  so  as  may  according  to  y^- 
judgm*-  best  of  all  (thru  y^  divine  bless^-)  answer  y^  ends 
designed, — as  we  must  with  thankfulness  to  [God]  acknowl- 
edge the  hitherto  success  &  hopeful  appearance  of  y®  enter- 
prise, so  we  account  it  o^-  duty  according  to  y^  trust  com- 
mitted to  us,  carefully  to  caution  ag»*-  such  spirits  &  methods, 
as  have  a  tendency  to  discourage  so  great  &  happy  an  under- 
takeing. 

It  may  be  sufficiently  known  that  according  to  y«  reasonable 
&  laudible  usuage  in  such  like  societys  the  nomination  &  ap- 
pointment of  y^  Rector,  &  Tut^-  or  Tut^^-  needful  in  this  School 
Appertains  to  y^  Trustees  as  those  accounted  capable  to  judg 
who  are  most  fitt  for  such  stations,  &  obliged  in  faithfulness 
to  introduce,  support  &  encourage  those  against  whom  suffi- 
cient objections  are  now  made. 

Theref^-  we  esteem  it  o^-  proper  province  to  provide  for  this 
School  such  Tuf-  or  Tutors  as  are  or  shall  be  from  time  to 
time  needful,  &  the  same  to  support  &  encourage  in  y*-  service 
until  they  shall  see  cause  to  remove  or  untill  bef""-  att  least  2 
thirds  of  y®  whole  number  of  Trustees,  such  reasons  shall  be 
offered,  as  they  shall  judg  sufficient  object'^s-  ag^*-  y^  continu- 
ance of  s*^-  Tut^-  or  Tut^s-,  wheref^-  having  an  account  of  some 
discontents  in  some  of  y^  students  for  y^  time  being  in  relation 
to  y®  p^sent  Tut^-,  until  we  shall  have  in  an  orderly  method  y« 
reasons  of  them  laid  before  us,  as  we  cannot  but  hope  that, 
too  trivial  exceptions  will  be  soon  rejected,  by  those  whose 
interest  &  duty  it  is  to  cherish  y«  tender  state  of  y^  Society 
for  y^-  own  profit,  so  att  p^sent  we  desire  &  expect  that  the 
students  according  to  y''-  several  degrees  pay  those  regards 
w<5-  are  proper  not  only  to  y®  Rev^^-  Reef-  &  unto  y®  p^'s*- 
Tuf"-,  S'"-  Hart,  whose  introduction  we  well  approve,  are 
thankful  for  his  hitherto  service,  desire  his  further  lab^^-  in 
that  capacity,  &  hereby  assure  him  that  support  in  his  trust, 
&  encouragem*-  for  his  lab"-  we  are  capable  of. 


50  DOCUMENTAKY  HISTOKY  [1705 

XXV.    Letter  of  Thomas  Buckingham 

May  12,  1705 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

Rector  Pierson  appears  to  have  intimated  to  Mr.  Pier- 
pont  that  a  more  satisfactory  modus  vivendi  might  be 
arrived  at  by  the  payment  of  more  money  for  his  services. 

Eev™<i-  and  Dear  S^"- 

Yo^'s-  per  my  son,  came  to  hand  last  night,  having  this  good 
opportunity,  I  thought  good  to  signifie  that  I  doe  not  know 
what  M^-  Pierson  wrote  to  yo^-  selfe  but  for  my  own  part,  I 
neither  heard  nor  thought  of  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  to 
make  any  Adition  of  money  to  the  Eector.  hee  intimated  not 
a  word  to  me  of  any  pecuniary  workeing  his  way  mth  his 
people  or  for  Transportation,  &c.  If  I  did  miswrite  or  yo^- 
selfe  did  mistake  the  case,  it  is  meete  that  wee  come  to  a  right 
understanding:  I  do  believe  some  disappointment  with  re- 
flection some  where  will  bee  which  if  it  could  be  prevented  is 
desireable. 

I  hope  to  bee  more  large  by  my  son ;  at  present  I  may  not 
enlarge,  because  the  bearer  waiteth,  onely  to  signifie  that  wee 
are  by  the  good  hand  of  god  in  competent  health  and  to  desire 
you  to  accept  from  us  both  o^-  hearty  respects  to  both 
yo'-selves  and  yo^^- 

I  am  S^-  yo^s-  to  serve  you 

Tho:  Buckingham. 

These 

ffor  ye  Rev^'i^-  M''-  James  Pierpoint 
pastor  to  the  ch  of  Cht  at  N.  Haven 


1705]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  51 

XXVI.    Letter  of  Abraham  Pierson 

September  21,  1705 

with  the  answer  of  the  town  of  Killing-worth 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Killingworth  Town  Records] 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Killing^vorth : 

Sirs, 

Whereas  I  perceive  that  there  is  a  misapprehention  of  my 
Answer  at  New  haven  to  the  Reverend  trustees  of  the  Colle- 
giate School,  which  was  latly  published,  in  part  among  you, 
I  do  declare  as  ffoUowith,  viz,  that  in  their  motion  to  me  there 
ware  two  things; 

1 :  their  Desire  that  I  should  take  the  Care  &  Conduck  of 
the  said  School. 

2:  that  I  should  Remove  with. the  s*^-  Schol  to  the  place  by 
them  appointed  for  it. 

to  the  1.  of  these  I  Answered  as  you  have  heard ;  the  true 
meaning  whereof  was,  that  I  Durst  not  Deny  a  Divine  Call 
to  attend  that  work,  so  far  as  was  consistant  with  my  minis- 
terial work  among  you :  and  accordingly  I  have  endeavoured 
practise  ever  since.  To  the  2nd  of  them,  not  Discarning  a 
present  call  thereunto,  after  much  perswasion  &  pressing  to 
it,  my  Answer  was  to  act  therin  as  God  should  open  my  way : 
in  which  opening  of  my  way,  I  ever  included  yo^-  consent  to 
my  removal  and  never  oblidged  myselfe  to  Remove  without 
it,  &  by  your  consent  I  mean  your  Genaral  and  Jojmt  consent, 
and  not  mearly  a  major  part  of  you  consenting;  that  as 
through  Divine  favour  I  have  lived  among  you  in  peace,  now 
about  11  years,  so  if  I  be  removed  from  you,  which  is  not  at 
all  of  my  seecing,  I  may  leave  you  in  peace,  &  have  hope  that 
the  God  of  peace  will  be  with  you,  and  as  a  testimony  of  your 
genarall  and  joynt  consent  to  my  Removal,  (if  I  do  remov,) 
I  expect  your  ingagment  by  sufficient  sureties  to  Reimburse 
and  accoding  to  agreement,  without  which  I  shall  not  part 
with  the  house,  &  without  this  ingagement  I  shall  not  thinck 


52  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1706 

that  I  have  a  sufiScient  expression  of  your  Consent  to  my 
removal. 

Abraham  Pierson. 

September  21 :  1705. 

To  the  Reverend  Mr.  Abraham  Pairson 

Reverend  Sur, 

In  answar  to  the  writing  of  Septemb^-  y®  21,  1705,  given  in 
to  ns  by  John  Crane  whear  in  you  do  declare  that  the  motion 
of  the  Reverend  trustees  to  your  selfe  was,  that  you  wold 
take  the  care  of  the  Collegiate  Schoole  and :  2*^  to  Remoue  with 
s*^-  Schoole,  to  the  first  said  your  Answer  was  that  you  Durst 
not  denie  a  Diuine  call  to  attend  s*^-  worke  so  far  as  was  Con- 
sistant  with  your  ministerial  worke  amongst  us  and  accord- 
ingly have  practised,  To  which  we  do  declare  that  it  is  our 
oppinion  that  it  is  not,  or  like  to  be  Consistant  with  your 
ministeriall  worke  amongst  us  to  attend  s*^-  School  as  heitherto. 
To  the  2^-  you  say  you  Ever  Included  our  Consent  to  the 
opening  of  your  waye,  to  which  we  Answer  that  we  shall  not 
endeaver  to  act  in  that  matter  any  firther  than  we  haue 
allready  Don. 

This  voted  in  a  towne  meeting  Nouember  y«  2,  1705. 


XXVII.    Letter  op  Abraham  Pierson 

January  12,  1706 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

As  the  result  of  this  circular  letter  to  the  Trustees, 
Phineas  Fiske,  of  the  class  of  1704,  entered  on  a  very 
successful  tutorship. 

Reverend  Sirs 

Seruice,  and  due  respects  premised.  I  suppose  you  may 
haue  obserued  the  insuccessfulnesse  of  our  endeauours  in 
seeking  to  obtaine  Mr  Whitman  to  be  a  tutor  here,  by  his 


1706]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  53 

being  called  to  farmingtown.  that  failing,  I  had  hopes,  proui- 
sion  would  be  made  for  us,  on  that  account  by  your  meeting 
this  week  and  that  failing  I  haue  no  other  way  to  relieve  the 
present  necessity,  but  to  offer  the  case  to  your  selues,  where 
you  are,  and  desire  your  speedy  and  effectual  care  thereabout. 
Sir  Whitlesy  hath  as  substitute  to  Mr  Hart,  attended  the 
freshmen,  but  is  not  satisfyed  to  go  on  so,  and  the  freshmen 
are  not  satisfyed  to  be  without  a  fixed  tutor.  So  that  there  is 
a  necessity  of  fixing  a  tutor  without  delay.  One  of  the  fresh- 
men viz  Sumner  hath  deserted  us,  and  is  gone,  designing  (as 
I  hear)  to  leaue  off  his  learning,  and  more  of  them  may  draw 
off,  if  they  have  not  a  settled  tutor,  by  the  want  whereof, 
they  may  seem  to  be  neglected,  as  to  what  they  reasonably 
expect,  if  we  send  not  to  Cambridge  (which  is  by  some  of 
yourselues  serously  obiected  against)  it  may  seem  to  fall 
between  Sir  fisk,  and  Sir  Whitlesy,  both  good  scholars  and 
capable  of  such  an  emprouement,  though  one  of  them  hath 
more  seniority  both  in  age  and  standing,  than  the  other,  and 
also  hath  bin  now  a  considerable  time  absent  from  the  School, 
and  familiarity  with  the  scholars,  and  lesse  lyable  to  be 
obiected  against  by  the  scholars.  Whether  one  of  these,  and 
which  of  them,  or  some  other,  you  incline  to,  and  pitch  upon, 
I  desire  to  know,  as  soon  as  may  be.  and  if  you  pitch  upon 
Sir  fisk,  I  desire  that  he  may  be  treated  with,  about  it,  by  one 
of  yourselues,  and  his  coming  hastened.  I  desire  that  this 
letter,  with  what  you  shall  please  to  add  thereunto,  may  be 
transmitted  from  one  of  you  to  another,  as  far  as  fairfield, 
and  your  sentiments  communicated,  and  please  to  let  me 
know  your  resolution,  if  it  may  be  by  the  next  post.  We  must 
haue  a  maiority  of  the  whole  concurring:  if  your  minds  be 
known  and  concurring,  probably  more  will  concurr  with  you. 
Sir  Whitlesy  is  by  bodily  infirmity  made  lesse  constant  than 
he  would  be,  in  attending  the  freshmen. 

Sirs,  your  humble  servant, 

AbRAH  :  PlERSON 

Kellingworth,  jan.  12,  1705/6. 


54  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1706 

XXVIII.    Draft  of  Resolutions  Submitted  to  the 

Trustees 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

These  undated  resolutions,  in  the  handwriting  of  the 
Rev.  James  Pierpont,  were  probably  drawn  up  in  Sep- 
tember, 1706;  as  the  records  of  the  Trustees  for  that 
period  are  wanting,  it  is  uncertain  whether  they  were 
actually  passed. 

Ordered  that  the  Uev^^-  Rector,  Tuf-  &  Students  in  y^ 
Collegiate  School  att  p^sent  p^'siding  in  Kennelworth  be  re- 
moved unto  y®  Town  of  Say-brook,  early  next  spring,  pursu- 
ant to  a  former  act  of  y®  Trustees  made  for  y®  settlem*-  of  s^- 
School  there,  att  a  meeting  held  Sept  30 :  1702 :  &  accordingly 
request  y^  Rev^^^-  M^-  Buckingham  [&  Rector]  to  take  care  that 
the  donat^-  y*-  are  or  shall  be  subscribed  for  y®  reparation  of  y® 
house  given  for  use  of  s<^  School  be  laid  out  for  y*-  and  when 
&  as  he  shall  see  cause. 

having  originally  determined  to  render  y^  liberal  education 
of  students  in  y^  Collegiate  School  as  easy  for  parents  as  we 
may,  we  further  order  that  diplomas  or  Licences  shall  be 
granted  to  y®  candidates  as  appointed,  &  forbid  all  other  fees, 
gratuities  donations  to  be  made  by  any  of  y^  students  unto 
those  that  have  for  y®  time  being  y®  inspection  &  governm*- 
of  s*^  School  besides  twenty  shillings  pay  to  y^  Rect^-  for  each 
person  receiving  s*^  diploma  or  licence. 

XXIX.    Votes  of  the  Town  of  Killingworth 

November  7  and  December  24,  1706 

[From  the  Town  Records] 

Rector  Pierson  died  in  March  following. 

At  a  town  meeting,  November  7th,  1706, It  was 

proposed  to  the  to'vvn  by  the  Desiar  of  Mr.  Peairson  in  the 
behalfe  of  the  trustees,  for  the  towns  allowance  for  the  Colle- 


1707]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  55 

giate  School  to  be  &  remaine  hear  under  the  Care  &  Conduct 
of  the  Reverend  M''-  Peairson :  the  towTi  have  declared  by  their 
vote  that  they  are  not  willing  to  allowe  that  the  School  should 
be  keept  hear  as  it  has  been. 

At  a  town.  Meting  in  Kenilworth,  December  the  24,  1706. 

The  town  Did  make  Choyce  of  Decon  Griswold 

[and  four  others]  as  a  Commity  to  consider  of,  and  Draw  up 
sum  tirms  or  proposalls  for  the  town  to  Consider  of  with 
Respect  to  the  allowance  of  the  Colegiate  School  Being  hear 
under  the  Care  &  Conduct  of  Mr.  Pierson.  and  to  make  Return 
thear  of  to  the  next  town  meting 


XXX.    Letter  of  Samuel  Sewall 

October  7,  1707 

[From  a  copy  in  Sev^all's  Letter-Book,  printed  in  the 
Collections  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society, 
vol.  1,  6th  series,  p.  354,  Boston,  1886 ;  with  corrections 
from  an  earlier  MS.  copy  in  the  University  Archives] 

8^-  7,  1707. 
Sir, 

I  have  sent  the  five  Volumns  of  Pole's  Synopsis  Criticorum, 
per  Mr.  Simon  Smith,  for  the  use  of  your  Collegiat  School. 
They  have  been  Transported  from  Boston  to  Woodbury ;  and 
back  again.  If  it  please  God  they  get  well  to  Saybrook,  I 
would  have  them  rest  there,  and  move  no  more.  My  Service 
to  you,  and  the  Genf^-  Trustees,  desiring  your  Acceptance  of 
this  Token  of  my  being  a  Wellwisher  to  the  Prosperity  of  your 
College;  tho  possibly,  it  may  import  the  less  increase  of  our 
own,  I  hope  the  Interests  of  Christ 's  Kingdom  in  general,  will 
be  promoted ;  w<^^-  is  that  we  should  aim  at.    I  am.  Sir, 

Your  humble  Serv*- 

S.  S. 

To  Mr.  Thomas  Buckingham,  at  Saybrook. 


56  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1711 

XXXI.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Jeremy^  or 

Jeremiah  Dummer 

May  22,  1711 

[From  a  copy  printed  in  the  Rev.  Dr.  Leonard  Bacon's 
Historical  Discourses,  New  Haven,  1839,  p.  189] 

Dr.  Bacon  probably  obtained  this  extract  from  some 
member  of  the  Pierpont  family;  but  the  location  of  the 
original  is  unknown. 

The  writer  was  a  graduate  of  Harvard  in  1699,  and 
from  1710  to  1721  was  Agent  of  the  Province  of  Massa- 
chusetts in  London;  he  also  served  the  Connecticut  Col- 
ony as  its  Agent  from  1712  to  1730. 

This  letter  contains  the  earliest  known  reference  to 
any  attempt  to  interest  Governor  Yale  in  the  Collegiate 
School  which  now  bears  his  name. 

To  the  Rev.  James  Pierpont. 

London,  22d  May,  1711. 

Here  is  Mr.  Yale,  formerly  Governor  of  Fort 

George  in  the  Indies,  who  has  got  a  prodigious  estate,  and  now 
by  Mr.  Dixwell  sends  for  a  relation  of  his  from  Connecticut  to 
make  him  his  heir,  having  no  son.  He  told  me  lately,  that  he 
intended  to  bestow  a  charity  upon  some  college  in  Oxford, 
under  certain  restrictions  which  he  mentioned.  But  I  think 
he  should  much  rather  do  it  to  your  college,  seeing  he  is  a 
New  England  and  I  think  a  Connecticut  man  -  If  therefore 
when  his  kinsman  comes  over,  you  will  write  him  a  proper 
letter  on  that  subject,  I  will  take  care  to  press  it  home. 


1712-13]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  57 

XXXII.    An  Act  of  the  Connecticut  General 

Assembly 

October,  1712 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  5,  p.  353, 
Hartford,  1870] 

An  Act  for  encouragement  of  Learning. 

Be  it  enacted  .  .  That  the  collegiate  school  at  Seybrook, 
for  maintaining  a  rector  and  tutors,  and  for  their  further  en- 
couragement in  the  education  of  youth,  (which  by  the  blessing 
of  God  affords  divers  instances  of  that  good  success  that  may 
be  of  great  advantage  to  this  Colony,)  shall  receive  this 
present  year  out  of  the  Colony  treasury  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred pounds  in  money  or  bills  of  credit  of  this  Colony,  instead 
of  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  in  pay  formerly  granted 
to  the  said  school. 


XXXIII.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

January  23,  1713 

[From  a  copy  in  the  University  Archives,  made  in  1789, 
under  the  direction  of  President  Stiles,  from  the  origi- 
nal, then  in  the  hands  of  Evelyn  Pierpont,  of  Wood- 
bury, Connecticut] 

Dr.  William  Salmon,  of  London,  who  died  in  1713,  had 
traveled  in  New  England  in  early  life. 

Rev<J-  &  Dear  S'"- 

Tis  with  regret  I  must  now  acquaint  you  that  all 

my  labour  &  pains  with  D^"-  Salmon  are  at  an  end,  for  when  I 
had  brought  him  to  consent  to  give  his  Library  to  yo^-  Colledge 
an  Apoplexy  took  him  off  before  he  had  time  to  make  a  new 
will;  and  so  an  old  one  took  place  made  severall  years  since, 
by  which  he  gave  that  great  valuable  Library  to  an  absolute 


58  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1713 

Stranger  that  he  had  seen  once  or  twice,  &  took  a  fancy  to.  I 
have  endeavour 'd  to  retrieve  this  great  loss,  by  begging  a 
Library  for  you  among  my  friends;  &  tho  my  Acquaintance 
with  men  of  Learning  &  Estates  is  very  generall,  yet  I  did  not 
expect  to  succeed  so  well  in  this  Charitable  enterprize,  as  I 
now  find  I  am  like  to  doe.  For  I  have  got  together  a  pretty 
parcell  of  books  already  for  you  to  begin  with,  &  I  hope  in  a 
years  time  to  send  you  a  very  valuable  collection,  with  the 
names  of  the  Benefactors.  .   .   . 

I  am  S""- 

Your  Faithful  &  Obed*-  Humble  Serv*- 

Jee  Dummer 

White  Hall 

23^-  Jany-  1712  [i.e.,  1712/13.] 
M^-  Pierpoint 


XXXIV.    Extract  feom  a  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

May  5,  1713 

[From  a  copy  in  the  University  Archives,  made  by 
Edward  C.  Herrick,  perhaps  about  1850] 

This  letter  was  addressed  to  the  Rev.  James  Pierpont, 
of  New  Haven. 

Whitehall,  5  May,  1713. 

The  Library  I  am  collecting  for  your  Colledge 

comes  on  well.  Sir  Richard  Blackmore,  (to  whom  I  delivered 
the  Committee's  letter,)  brought  me  in  his  own  chariot  all  his 
works  in  four  volumes  in  folio,  and  Mr.  Yale  has  done  some- 
thing, tho  very  little  considering  his  Estate  and  particular 
relation  to  your  Collony.  I  have  almost  as  many  benefactors 
as  books,  which  makes  the  collection  troublesome  as  well  as 
expensive.  S^-  John  Davy  will  give  me  nothing  notwith- 
standing his  promises,  but  it  may  be  he  intends  to  send  what 
books  he  gives  himselfe 


1714]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  59 

XXXV.    Letter  of  Joseph  Noyes 

July  26,  1714 

[From  a  copy  in  the  printed  Diary  of  President  Ezra 
Stiles,  under  date  of  March  18, 1779,  New  Haven,  1901, 
vol.  2,  p.  326] 

The  author,  a  son  of  the  Senior  Trustee,  and  a  graduate 
of  the  School  in  1709,  was  now  a  Tutor. 

Rev^Sir 

I  purposed  to  wait  on  you  &  to  be  our  Epistle  to  yourselfe 
but  many  things  prevent,  especially  Mr.  Russel's  absence;  we 
content  ourselves  in  sending  one  of  the  Candidates  to  bear 
this  Epistle;  which  is  to  informe  you  rev^*^  Sir,  y*  on  Thurs- 
day of  this  week  (according  to  the  Custom  of  this  School)  y^ 
candidates  were  proved  &  approved,  present  M'"  Noyes  of 
Lyme,  y«  Rev^*^  Mi"  Ruggles,  as  also  y«  Rev^^  M^  Hart,  M^" 
Fisk,  M^  Mather  &c.  Our  request  is  y*  you  would,  Rev^^^i  Sir 
appoint  y°^  y®  Commencment  work.  Moreover  it  beinge 
granted  at  A  meetinge  of  the  trusteese,  &  recorded,  y*  candi- 
dats  in  this  School  may  print  theses  (&  A  Catalogue,  as  in. 
other  Schoolse,  we  &  they  humbly  request  yourselfe  would  take 
the  trouble  to  examine  the  theses  &  Catalogue  presented  to  you 
by  y®  bearer — please  to  reject  or  insert  theses  as  you  please. 
It  is  also  our  humble  request  y*  yourselfe  would  give  y®  Theses 
A  dedication.  Students  are  all  in  health;  we  always,  Rev*! 
Sir,  request  your  prayers,  kno\\dnge  our  charge  is  greate. 
Our  Duty  waight  on  Maddam  Andrew.  We  shall  not  add,  but 
the  offer  of  humblest  service  to  yourselfe,  testifyinge  y*  we 
are  Your 

very  humble  and  obedient  servant 

Say-brook  July  26, 1714  Jos.  Noyes. 

To  the  Rev^'i  M^  Sam"  Andrew  Rector  of 
the  Collegiate  Schooll  in  Connecticut. 


60  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1714-15 

XXXVI.    Extract  from  the  Proceedings  of  the 

Trustees 

September  8,  1714 

[From  a  copy  in  the  State  Library,  probably  made  in 
October,  1717,  for  the  General  Assembly] 

Apparently  in  the  handwriting  of  Elisha  Williams, 
Clerk  of  the  Lower  House. 

At  a  meeting  of  y^  Trustees  at  Say^-  Sept  8  1714  pres*-  y* 

Rev^-  James  Noyes 
Moses  Noyes 
Sam^i-  Andrew 
Timo-  Woodbridge 
Sam^^-  Russell 
Tho^-  Ruggles 

Agreed  y*-  M^-  Dan^^-  Buckingham  be  desired  &  hereby  is 
authorized  to  Lease  out  M^-  Lynds  Donation  to  the  Coll. 
School  not  exceding  three  years:  liberty  of  pasture  of  an 
horse  for  Each  of  y*  tutors  reserved  out  of  it. 

Signed        James  Noyes  James  Peirpont 

Sam^^-  Andrew        Sam^^^-  Russell 
Tho^-  Ruggles 


XXXVII.    Action  of  the  Two  Houses  of  the  Con- 
necticut General  Assembly  on  a  Grant  for 
A  College  Building 

October,  1714,  and  May,  1715 

[From  the  original  Journals,  in  the  Secretary  of  State's 
Office,  and  manuscripts  in  the  State  Library] 

Capt-  Wakeman,  Maj^"-  Burr,  Cap*-  Rogers  &  Cap*-  Wads- 
worth  are  Appt^^-  a  Com*®^-  of  this  [Lower]  House  to  Joyn  a 


1715]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  61 

Comtee.  Qf  the  Upper  House  to  Consider  what  may  be  proper 
for  the  encouragem*-  of  the  Collegiate  School  and  education 
of  Indian  children  and  to  enquire  into  the  disposition  of  the 
money  by  this  Assembly  granted  to  the  Collegiate  School 
and  report  accordingly. 


Peter  Burr  and  Roger  Woolcott  Esq^^-  were  appointed  a 
Committee  [of  the  Upper  House]  to  joyn  Avith  a  Committee 
of  y®  lower  house  to  conferr  ab*-  y®  measures  for  building  an 
house  for  y^  Collegiate  School  and  Schooling  of  Indians. 


Resolved  That  the  Consideration  of  the  bill  granting  200^^ 
for  the  building  of  a  House  for  the  Collegiate  School  past  in 
the  Upper  House  is  referred  by  this  [i.e.,  the  Lower]  House 
to  the  Assembly  in  IVTay  next. 


The  Rev<i  Gentlemen  y^  Trustees  for  y®  managem*  of  the 
Collegiate  School  at  Say-brook  representing  to  this  Assembly 
the  difficulties  and  dangers  y*  attend  &  threaten  y^  s<i  School 
for  want  of  the  Advantages,  Conveniences  &  Encouragem*^ 
y^ch  might  be  hoped  for,  in  case  there  were  good  Conveniences 
provided,  for  the  entertainm*-  of  the  s*^  School  by  the  Educa- 
tion of  such  among  us  as  may  be  Serviceable  to  God  and  his 
People  especially  in  this  Government. 

This  Assembly  taking  it  into  their  serious  consideration 
are  fully  satisfied  of  y®  real  necessity  of  a  suitable  house 
being  provided  for  the  Entertainment  of  y^  s<i  School.  And 
Do  therefore  Order  That  for  the  Encouragement  of  So  good 
a  work  as  building  a  Convenient  house  for  s<^  School  A  brief  be 
sent  unto  the  several  Towns  &  Parrishes  in  this  Colony  for  y« 
asking  the  Contribution  of  the  well  affected  to  Religion  & 
Learning  among  us  which  the  Several  Ministers  in  this  Colony 
are  desired  suitably  to  Promote 

Past  in  the  Lower  House 


62  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1715 

Past  in  the  Upper  House  with  this  addition  that  there  be 
a  100^^  allowed  to  the  Collegiate  School  out  of  the  Colony 
Treasury  by  way  of  Example. 


The  above-mentioned  Addition  voted  in  the  Negative 

in  the  Lower  House 


XXXVIII.    Extract  feom  the  Proceedings  of  the 

Trustees 

September  14,  1715 

[From  a  copy  in  the  State  Library,  furnished  to  the 
General  Assembly  in  October,  1717,  by  Justice  Daniel 
Buckingham,  of  Saybrook] 

At  a  meeting  of  y^  Trustees  of  y^  Coll.  School  holden  in 
Saybr.  y^  14  of  Sept  1715 

Its  hereby  certifyed  to  all  concerned  that  pursuant  to  an 
Act  of  y^  Trustees  at  a  meeting  holden  in  Kennellworth  Sep* 
30  1702  ordering  that  the  Coll.  School  established  in  this 
Collony  be  settled  in  the  town  of  Saybrook ;  the  s*^  School  has 
been  for  7  years  last  past  removed  from  y^  town  of  Kennell- 
worth to  the  said  Town  of  Saybrook  and  is  actually  setled 
there  in  wittness  whereof  we  the  Underwritten  Trustees  of 
y^  s^  School  have  signed  this  Certificate  in  a  Gen^i-  meeting 
of  the  s<i-  Trustees  assembled  in  y^  s<i  Saybr.  y«  day  of  y^  date 
abovementioned 

MoSES   NOYES 

Sam^^-  Andeew 
Sam^^-  Russell 
Jno-  Davenport 
Tho^-  Buckingham 
Tho^-  Ruggles 

October  3^,  1717 :  A  treu  copye  of  the  original 

test:  Danii-  Buckingham,  Justice 


1715]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  63 

XXXIX.    An  Act  of  the  Connecticut  General 

Assembly 

October,  1715 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  5,  pp.  528-529, 

Hartford,  1870] 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  agreements  of  the  Commis- 
sioners appointed  by  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
and  the  Commissioners  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  on  the 
setthng  the  dividend  line  between  the  said  Province  and 
Colony,  and  it  was  agreed  and  concluded  that  the  said  Colony 
of  Connecticut  should  have  105793  acres  of  land  then  to  be 
taken    within    the    ungranted    lands    of    the    said    province 

This  Assembly  do  hereby  appoint  and  impower 

William  Pitkin,  [etc.]  to  make  sale  of  the  said  105793  acres 

;  and  that  there  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  moneys 

gained  by  the  sale  as  aforesaid,  five  hundred  pounds  to  the 
trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School,  for  the  building  a  College 
house 


64  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1716 

XL.    Extract  from  the  Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  3,  1716 

[Prom  a  copy  of  the  original  made  in  October,  1717,  for 
the  General  Assembly,  by  Justice  Daniel  Buckingham, 
of  Saybrook] 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  y®  Collegiate  School  at 
Saybrook  Aprill  3^-  1716 

Present  y«  Reverend 

The  Trustees  considering  the 
great  necessity  y*-  y^  Collegiate 
School  in  this  place  Be  Put  into 
such  Circumstances  as  may  giue 
greater  Encouragement  to  all  y*- 
are  desireous  of  y^  Improument  of 
their  Sons  in  y^  academical  Learn- 
ing have  unanimously  agreed  and 
Resolved  y*-  y^  five  hundred  Pounds 
Granted  By  y^  Colony  to  this 
School  together  with  such  other 
sums  as  may  be  gained  for  the  Erecting  of  such  Building  as 
y®  occasion  of  the  School  Requires  Be  forthwith  Improved 
to  y^  End  that  a  suitable  house  for  y^  Entertainment  of  y^ 
Schollars  with  Chambers  and  Studies  as  well  as  a  hall  and 
Library  as  also  a  convenient  Building  for  y®  use  of  a  Rector 
near  adjoining  thereunto  Be  with  all  convenient  Speed 
Erected  and  suitably  finished. 

that  a  Gentleman  of  suitable  age  and  Learning  Be  procured 
to  take  y^  charge  of  y®  s<^-  School  who  shall  Live  in  y^  house 
provided  for  that  End  and  shall  have  y^  advantage  of  Board- 
ing all  y^  Schollars  vnder  graduates  Belonging  to  y^  School, 
that  a  Sallery  be  allowed  to  s^-  Rector  besides  y^  advantage 
of  Boarding  the  Schollars  of  one  hundred  Pounds  per  annum 
that  one  Tutor  Be  constantly  Maintained,  and  allowed  a 
Sallery  who  shall  Reside  in  one  of  the  Chambers  of  y^  College. 
y*-  for  ye  Better  ordering  of  y®  affairs  of  y®  School  During 


James  Noyes 
Moses  Noyes 
Sam^-  Andrew 
Timothy  Woodbridge 
Sami-  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
Thomas  Buckingham 
Thomas  Russell 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  65 

y«  Time  y*-  will  be  necessarily  Taken  up  in  Erecting  Proper 
Buildings  for  a  Rector  and  y^  School  that  M'"-  Smith  of  Glas- 
tenbury  Be  Desired  to  come  and  Reside  as  a  Tutor  at  the 
School  in  Conjunction  with  y^  present  Tutors :  that  the  Sen^- 
Sophisters  be  allowed  to  Be  absent  from  the  School  for  a 
Time  following  their  Studyes  Else  where  vntill  such  Time 
as  their  proceeding  to  their  degrees  Requires  their  attendance 
here. 

October :  3<i-  1717 :  A  treu  Cop^-  of  the  origins- 
test  Dan^^-  Buckingham:  Justice 


XLI.    A  Eepeesextatiox  feom  Haetfoed  of  the  State 
OF  THE  Collegiate  School 

May  10,  1716 

with  the  action  thereon  of  the  General  Assembly 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  5,  pp.  550-551, 

Hartford,  1870] 

As  appears  below,  the  Trustees  were  requested  (on 
May  17)  to  appear  before  the  Assembly  on  Wednesday, 
May  23.  The  Assembly  did  not  adjourn  until  June  7, 
but  the  Trustees  do  not  seem  to  have  put  in  any  appear- 
ance. 

To  the  Honourable  the  Governour,  Council  and  Repre- 
sentatives, in  General  Court  assembled,  in  Hartford,  May 
10th,  1716. 

As  the  generous  concern  which  this  honoured  Court  have 
exprest  for  the  promoting  of  learning  in  the  people  under 
their  government,  especially  in  that  encouragement  which 
they  have  given  for  the  erecting  and  subsisting  a  Collegiate 
School  in  this  Colony,  is  matter  of  great  satisfaction  to  all 
such  as  reflect  thereon  and  do  rightly  understand  the  true 
interest  of  a  people;  so,  on  the  other  hand,  the  present  de- 
clining and  unhappy  circumstances  in  which  that  school  lies, 


66  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1716 

and  the  apparent  hazard  of  its  being  utterly  extinguisht 
unless  some  speedy  remedy  be  apply 'd,  afford  but  a  melan- 
choly speculation  to  such  as  are  acquainted  with  it.  The 
consideration  of  this  has  excited  in  some,  who  heartily  wish 
and  seek  its  welfare,  a  desire  to  find  out  some  expedient  for 
its  relief;  and  as  the  want  of  money  has  always  been  one 
reason  of  its  continuing  so  long  in  an  unsettled  posture,  so, 
to  provide  this  without  being  further  burdensome  to  the 
publick,  it  has  been  proposed  to  the  people  of  this  town,  (as 
we  understand  it  has  been  to  some  in  other  places,)  to  signify 
by  their  subscriptions  what  they  are  willing  to  contribute  on 
this  occasion.  Our  people  have  manifested  a  laudable  disposi- 
tion to  forward  so  good  and  great  a  work,  and  have,  in  con- 
junction with  other  well  minded  persons,  advanc'd  such  sums 
of  money  as  by  a  due  improvement  may  hopefully  put  said 
school  into  a  flourishing  condition,  which  we  thought  our- 
selves obliged,  out  of  regard  to  the  interest  of  the  school,  to 
represent  to  this  Honourable  Assembly,  and,  together  there- 
with, their  and  our  request  that  it  might  be  fixt  here ;  and  if 
it  appears  to  this  Honoured  Court  that  the  erecting  said 
school  in  this  place  may  be  more  likely  to  conduce  to  the 
end  for  which  such  nurseries  of  learning  are  establisht,  than 
the  continuing  it  where  it  has  hitherto  been,  we  humbly  hope 
that  this  Honoured  Court  will  be  pleased  to  allow  us  their 
countenance  and  assistance  in  it.  And  we  beg  leave  to  sug- 
gest some  of  those  reasons  on  which  we  found  our  opinion 
of  its  being  so,  which  are  these,  viz.  Hartford  is  not  only  more 
in  the  center  of  the  Colony,  but  is  also  surrounded  with  many 
considerable  towns,  upon  which  account  it  may  easily  be 
supposed  that  the  number  of  students  will  be  much  greater 
than  if  it  were  at  any  other  place  which  has  not  the  like 
situation;  besides  several  persons  of  distinction  in  the 
neighboring  Province  have  assured  us,  not  only  that  they 
will  contribute  towards  the  settling  the  school  here,  but  also 
that  they  will  send  their  youth  hither  for  their  education. 
There  is  already  subscribed  for  that  end  betwixt  six  and 
seven  hundred  pounds;  we  also  have  good  reason  to  expect 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  67 

other  very  considerable  donations,  which  will  make  up  a 
thousand  pounds  and  upwards.  We  have,  moreover,  a  fair 
prospect  of  having  the  school  supply 'd  with  able  and  suffi- 
cient tutors.  And  we  pray  this  farther  favour  from  this 
Honourable  Assembly,  that  there  may  be  a  committee  of 
both  Houses  appointed  to  consider  of  this  matter,  and  that 
we  may  have  the  liberty  to  be  present  with  them,  that 
we  may  give  further  satisfaction  in  what  is  demanded  of  us. 

T.  WOODBRIDGE. 

T.  Buckingham. 
Samuel  Woodbridge. 
Samuel  Welles. 

In  the  name  of  many  others. 


A  Resolve  of  the  Assembly,  in  response  to  the  above : 
Upon  the  representation  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Timothy 
Woodbridge  and  Mr.  Thomas  Buckingham  and  others,  that 
the  Collegiate  School  at  Seybrook  is  in  a  languishing  condi- 
tion, and  moving  to  this  Assembly  for  a  committee  to  hear 
from  them  the  circumstances  thereof: 

It  is  Resolved  by  this  Assembly,  That  the  several  gentle- 
men, the  trustees  of  the  said  school,  be  forthwith  notifyed 
that  this  Assembly  desire  the  said  trustees  to  meet  in  this 
place  on  Wednesday  next,  that  they  may  shew  to  this 
Assembly  the  difficulties,  and  what  may  by  them  be  thought 
expedient  to  be  done  therein 


XLII.    Appeal  for  Contributions  in  Promotion  of 
THE  Settlement  of  the  School  in  New  Haven 

[From  copies  in  the  University  Archives] 

The  University  has  copies  of  this  appeal,  circulated  in 
Nev^  Haven,  Derby,  and  Stratfield,  respectively,  with  the 
names  (mainly  autographs)  of  contributors,  and  the 
amounts  offered. 


68  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1716 

The  subscriptions  are  given  below,  in  the  order  of  the 
places  named;  probably  only  a  part  of  the  total  number 
of  subscriptions  in  New  Haven  is  included. 

We  whose  Names  are  hereunto  subscribed  upon  the  most 
serious  and  deliberate  Considerations  concerning  the  present 
State  of  the  Collegiate  School  are  of  Opinion  y*-  if  it  cannot 
be  continued  at  Saybrook,  then  it  is  verry  convenient  if  it 
be  setled  at  New-Haven  and  therfore  do  recommend  it  to  all 
who  are  generously  inclined  to  promote  such  settlement  of  s*^- 
School  that  they  will  please  to  subscribe  what  Sums  they  will 
contribute  towards  the  Settlement  and  Support  thereof  at 
the  Town  of  New-Haven  so  seasonably  as  that  it  may  be 
offered  at  y®  meeting  of  y^  Trustees  at  y®  next  Commence- 
ment. 

Samuel  Andrew 
Sam^^-  Russel 
Thom^-  Ruggles 
Joseph  Moss 
Timothy  Cutler 
John  Hart 
Jacob  Hemingway 
Samuel  Cooke 


We  whose  Names  are  underwritten  upon  the  Counsel  and 
good  advice  of  the  Rev*^-  Ministers  above  written:  do  oblige 
our  Selves,  our  heirs  Executors  &  Administrators,  to  pay 
upon  demand  made  within  y^  term  of  one  year  after  the 
School  is  settled  at  New-Haven  the  several  Sums  subscribed 
&  affixed  to  our  several  names  unto  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Collegiate  School  for  the  uses  above  Specifyed. 

Nathaniel  Spery  gives  to  y^  Coledge  if  at  Newhaven  05-00-00 
Ebneser  Spery  for  the  incorgment  of  the  colege  pro- 

uided  it  be  at  new  heauen  giues  5-0-0 

Ebenezer  Lines  giues  to  y^  Colege  1-10-0 

William  hotchkis  giues  y®  Colege  3-0-0 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  69 

Moses  Spery  giues  y«  colege  2-10-0 

ricliard  Spery  Jun^-  3-00-0 

John  Moris  3-00-0 

In  Consideration  of  any  former  Subscription  w^^^ 

hath  bin  sighned  by  me  be  made  voiade  I  now  sighne    10-00-0 

Mary  Trowbridge  2-00-0 

Jno-  Hitchcock  1-10-0 

Tho  Holt  134  3*1  Divission  sequestred  Land  and  30/        5-00-0 

Tho  Hitchcock  5-00-0 

John  Mix  five  acres  sequersted  Land 

Jos.  Ives  11/^  acres  D^- 

Ens"-  Dickerman  Added  2  Acres  d^- 

Serjt-  The^-  Munson  1  d^- 

Jno-  Bradly  1  d^- 

Jos  Mix  1  do- 
Thomas  Sperry  3-00-0  in  work 

John  Gilbert — 4  acurs  of  Land  in  the  third  deuision  of  se- 
questered Land,  the  valley  of  02-00-00 

Samuel  lues — 2  acres  of  land,  also  2  pounds — all,  4-0-0,  y® 
land  in  y^  3  deuision  of  y®  sequestread  land 

Tho  Munson — 2  acrs  laund  in  y®  3*^  of  y®  sequestred 

Joshua  Hodkis— lib-lO-0 

thomas  mix — 2-0-0 

Rich-i-  Sperry  Sen^— 31^-0-0 

John  Punderson— 5ib-00-00 

James  Gibbs — ten  pounds  for  nails,  mony  or  some  other 
suitable  specia  [?] 

Nathaniell  Yale — 1^^,  &  3  Acres  of  Land  &  3  quarters  of  an 
Acre  of  Land,  in  y^  third  divition  of  y®  To^vn 
plot  Sequestration  &  valued  at  3-16^. 

Samuel  Clark  Sener :  00-10-00 

John  Bassat  iun^r — 3-00-00 

John  Todd  Senr — i  ^cre  of  land  in  y^  3^  division  of  y« 
sequse*^  land 

Ens  Sami-  burwell— S^^-O-O 

John  Glover— 5-0-0 

Ebener  Mansfield— S^b-OO-OO 


70 


DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY 


[1716 


Wid :  Mary  Todd— 2ib-10-0 
Samuel  Attwater — 1-10-0 
David  Attwater  Sen^— 2ib-00-0 
Jos.  Bradly— 2ib-00-0 
Jos.  Turnur— 2ib-00-0 
Sam"-  Bradly— 11^-00-0 
Ebener  Humaston— l^b-OO-OO 

Jos.  Hall — one  acre  of  Land  of  the  third  Division  of  the  late 
sequestration 


lb  8  d 

Ebenezer  Johnson 

4-0-0 

Abel  Gunn 

6-0-0   . 

Stephen  Pierson  Sen 

3-0-0 

John  Pringle 

3-0-0 

John  Riggs 

10-0-0 

ffrancis  french 

2-0-0 

William  Moss 

10-0-0 

Jeremiah  Jonson 

4-0-0 

Josiah  baldwin 

1-00-00 

Joseph  Hulls 

5-0-0 

Thomas  Wooster 

3-0-0 

John  Towner 

1-0-0 

Samuel  Riggs 

3-0-0 

John  Weed 

1-0-0 

Signed  in   Stratfield 
July-1716 


Samuel  Cooke  six  pounds 
Joseph  Frost  three  pounds 
Zachariah  Hubbel  four  pound 
Israel  Chauncy  fore  pound 
Benj"^-  Fayerweather  five  pound 
Henry  Jackson  five  pounds 
Mary  Sherwood  thirty  Shillings 
^Richard  Hubbell  b^^-0^-0^ 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  71 

XLIII.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

July  6,  1716 

[From  the  printed  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colo- 
nial Society  of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  178-179, 
Boston,  1904] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge,  of  Hart- 
ford. 

Revd-  S'- 

Not  having  had  the  honour 
of  a  line  from  you  Since  my  writing  you  Several  letters,  will 

I  hope  be  some  apology  if  I  am  but  Short  now I 

shall  be  glad  to  hear  how  your  Young  Academy  grows,  & 
whether  you  have  built  a  convenient  receptacle  for  your 
library,  that  I  may  send  you  Some  proper  Ornaments  to 
furnish  it.  I  hope  you  had,  or  at  least  have  by  this  time,  the 
books  &  globes  I  Sent  you  by  the  last  Ships,  to  which  I  am 
Still  making  Additions.  I  wish  you  health  &  all  happyness,  & 
am  S'" 

Your  faithfull  Humble  Serv* 

Jer:  Dummer 
Whitehal 
6ti^  July  1716 

M^  Woodbridge 


XLIV.    Vote  of  the  Proprietors  of  Town  Laxds  in 

New  Haven 

July  30,  1716 

[From  the  Town  Records] 

July  ye  30*^  1716.    At  a  meeting  of  y^  propriators  of  y^  20 
acres  of  the   sequesterd  Land  Left  at  y*'  end  of  y*  town 


72  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1716 

By  a  full  vote  they  granted  y*-  their  should  be  eight 

acres  of  this  Laud  next  adjojTiing  to  Joseph  Pecks  Land 
granted  to  y^  trustees  of  y^  Colegiat  School  if  it  should  be 
setled  here  &  so  long  as  it  shall  continue  here. 


XLV.    Peoceedings  op  the  Trustees 

September  12,  1716 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

At  a  Meeting  of  y^  Trustees  of  y^  Collegiate  School  at 
Commencement,  in  SayBrooke,  1716,  present  the  Rev<^-  M"*- 
Moses  Noyes,  M^-  Sam^i-  Andrew,  M^-  Timothy  Woodbridge, 
Sami-  Russel,  M^-  Joseph  Webb,  M'*-  Thomas  Buckingham,  M^"- 
Thomas  Ruggles. 

Whether  upon  the  present  appearances  it  be  adviseable  for 
us  to  remoue  the  Collegiate  School  to  Hartford;  for  it  M^"- 
Woodbridge  and  M^-  Buckingham;  against  it  M^-  Noyes,  M^- 
Andrew,  M''-  Ruggles,  M^-  Russel. 

Whether  upon  y^  present  appearances  it  be  not  more  advis- 
able for  us  to  remoue  the  Collegiate  School  to  Newhaven  as  a 
more  convenient  place  than  Hartford  in  case  it  remoue  from 
Say-Brooke ;  M^-  Noyes,  M^-  Andrew,  M^"-  Webb,  M""-  Ruggles, 
M^-  Russel  for  it.    M^-  Woodbridge  M^-  Buckingham  against  it. 

Ordered  that  this  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  be  adjourned  to 
the  17*^-  day  of  October  next  following  &  be  at  y^  Town  of 
Newhaven  at  s<^-  time.  Voted  in  y^  affirmative  by  M^-  Moses 
Noyes,  M^-  Sam^-  Andrew,  M^-  Samuel  Russel,  M^-  Joseph 
Webb,  M^-  Thomas  Ruggles.  Voted  in  the  negative  by  M'"- 
Timothy  Woodbridge  M^-  Thomas  Buckingham. 

Signed  by  Order  &  in  the  Name  of  the  Trustees  per 

MoSES     NOYES. 

Joseph  Webb 
SayBrooke  Sept-  12th.  1716 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  73 

XLVI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

October  17-20,  1716 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archive,'^:,] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  S';,^iiool  by  Ad- 
journment from  Saybrook  Sept.  12.  173^  holden  at  New 
Haven  October  17*^  1716. 

Present  the  Rev<i  1.    Agreed  that  the  Reverend  M^- 

Moses  Noyes  ,                Moses  Noyes  be  the  Moderator 

Samuel  Andrew  of  this  Meeting. 

Timo  Woodbvidg 

Samuel  Tiussell  2.     Agreed  that  the  Reverend  M^" 

Jose^yh  Webb  John  Davenport  be  the  Scribe 

John  Davenport  of  this  Meeting. 

Thomas  Buckingham 

Thomas  Ruggles 

3.  Question.  Whether  Considering  the  Difficulties  of  Con- 
tinuing the  Collegiate  School  of  Connecticut  Colony  at  Say- 
brook  appearing  to  us,  We  the  Trustees  of  sd  School  agree 
that  the  sd  Collegiate  School  be  now  removed  from  Saybrook 
to  Newhaven,  &  that  the  said  Collegiate  School  be  settled  at 
Newhaven,  as  a  very  Convenient  place  for  it,  and  for  which 
the  Most  Liberal  Donations  are  given,  appearing  to  us,  as  well 
as  on  many  other  Considerations,  and  it  is  now  Setled  at  New- 
haven accordingly? 

The  Question  thus  Resolved  &  voted  viva  voce  for  it  M^ 
Ruggles,  Mr  Davenport,  M^  Webb,  M^  Russell,  and  M^" 
Andrew.    Against  it  M^  Buckingham  &  M^"  Woodbridg 

M'"  Noyes  Moderator  declares,  he  doth  not  see  the  necessity 
of  removing  the  School  from  Saybrook,  but  if  it  must  be 
removed  from  Saybrook,  his  mind  is,  that  it  be  settled  at 
Newhaven 

Saturday  octob''  20 

4.  agreed  that  this  meeting  of  the  Trustees  be  adjourned  to 
mondav  next  at  two  a  Clock  in  the  afternoon. 


74  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1716 

5.    Whether  the   Trustees  here  convened  to  judg  it   Con- 
venient, that  Application  be  made  by  sd  Trustees  to  the 
General  Assembly  to  nominate  the  place  of  the  Collegiate 
School  of  this  Colony  when  the  sd  Trustees  on  this  present 
mee.-ting  in  the  faithful  discharg  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them, 
and  in  Extorting  of  the  power  conveyed  to  them  by  the  act  for 
sd  School  have  c^lready  Settled  the  sd  School  at  New  haven 

For  the  negative  M^'^^Ruggles,  M^  Davenport,  M^  Webb, 

Mr  Ru^<5sel,  Mr  Andrew 

Ml"  Buckingham  saith,  he  is  not  free  to  cul;^+:  himself  off  of  any 
Liberty  of  applying  to  the  G.  Court,  as  ye  c^ase  is  circum- 
stanced. 

M^  Woodbridg  is  for  the  affirmative  as  the  Case  is  l-/?ircum- 
stanced 
M^  Noyes  saith,  he  doth  not  oppose  it  going  to  ye  Court. 

6.  Whether  we  approve  M^  Samuel  Smith  of  Glassenbury  for 
a  Tutor  of  the  Collegiate  School? 

Yea  Say  M^  Ruggles,  M^  Davenport,  M^"  Webb,  M^  Russel,  M^ 
Andrew  M^  Noyes  from  the  Recommendation  given  him. 
M*"  Buckingham  &  M'*  Woodbridg  Say,  they  know  not  but  he 
is  very  well  qualifyed  for  the  trust  of  a  Tutor 

7.  Whether  We  approve  Sir  Johnson  of  Guilford  for  a  Tutor 
of  the  Collegiate  School? 

Yea.    Mr  Ruggles,  M^"  Davenport,  M^  Webb,  M^  Russel,  M^- 

Andrew,  M^  Noyes,  Some  of  them  so  say  from  his  Recom- 

endation. 

M'"  Buckingham  saith,  he  hath  nothing  to  object  against  him 

on  account  of  his  qualifications. 

M^  Woodbridge  saith,  he  doth  not  account  it  Convenient  to 

mention  him,  because  of  Newark  Call 

8.  Sir  Johnson  was  desired  to  appear  before  the  Trustees, 
&  the  ofer  of  a  Tutor  of  the  School  was  made  to  him,  &  he 
desired  to  Consider  of  it,  and  then  give  us  the  Result  of  his 
thoughts,  &  acceptance 

9.  Whether  we   agree   that   the   Building   of   a    Collegiate 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  75 

School  &  also  the  house  for  a  Rector  in  New  haven  be  under- 
taken with  all  Convenient  Speed? 

Yea.     Mr  Ruggles,  M^  Davenport,  M^-  Webb,  M^  Russel,  M^ 
Andrew,  also  Yea  Saith  M^"  Noyes  if  it  must  go  from  Say- 
brook  but  he  chooseth  to  Suspend. 
M^  Buckingham  chuseth  Silence.    M^  Woodbridg  saith  nay 

10.  Whether  the  hon^ie  qt.  Qq^t  ^th  o'"-  Deputy  GoV  be  In- 
treated  to  favour  us  with  their  advice  concerning  the  arclii- 
techtonick  part  of  the  buildings  of  the  Collegiate  house  &  the 
Rectors  house  ? 

Yea.  Mr  Ruggles,  M^  Davenp*,  M^  Webb,  M^  Russel,  M^ 
Andrew,  M'"  Noyes 

M*"  Buckingham  chuseth  not  to  act.    M'"  Woodbridge  hath 
nothing  ag*  advice. 

11.  M^  Russel,  &  M^  Davenport  being  deputed  by  the 
trustees,  waited  on  their  honors  the  Gov^  &  the  Deputy  Gov^, 
who  kindly  received  the  motion.  &  the  Govern^"  freely  declared 
his  Willingness  to  serve  the  Trustees  on  ace*  of  Buildings 

12.  We  agree,  that  an  ord^  be  sent  to  the  Worshipful  Jn** 
Ailing  Esq^  Treasurer  of  the  Collegiate  School  to  demand  by 
himself  or  Ord''  &  receive  for  the  use  of  sd  School  of  the 
Reverend  M'"  Tim^  Woodbridg  &  M^"  Tho.  Buckingham  both  of 
hartford  the  five  hundred  pounds  in  their  hands,  given  by  the 
Gen^  Assembly  to  the  trustees  of  sd  School,  &  ord*^  M^  Daven- 
port the  Scribe  to  Sign  the  said  order 

By  an  universal  vote,  in  y®  affirmative:  viz.  M^"  Rug.  M'" 
Dav.  M^  Web.  M^  Rus.  M^  And.  M^  Noyes 

13.  We  agree  that  the  Reverend  M'"  Samuel  Andrew  of  Mill- 
ford  be  the  Recto^  of  the  Collegiate  School  for  the  present,  & 
until  a  Settled  Recto'"  be  fixed  in  the  School  {w*^^  we  will 
endeavour  with  all  Convenient  Speed)  often  to  visit  &  Inspect 
the  s*i-  School. 

Voted  with  a  full  vote  viz  M^  Rug.  M^  Dav.  M^"  Web,  M^  Rus. 
M^  Noyes 

14.  We  agree,  that  the  Reverend  M'"  Tim^  Woodbridg  &  M'* 
Thorn.  Buckingham  of  hartford  be  ordered  to  Deliver  to  M'" 


76  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1716 

John  Ailing  Treasurer  or  Order  the  five  hundred  pounds 
given  by  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony  to  the  trustees 
of  s^  School.    Voted  by  a  full  vote.  M^-  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

15.  We  agree  that  S^  Johnson  be  a  tutor  of  the  Collegiate 
School  &  choose  him  accordingly.  Voted  M'"  R.  D.  W.  R. 
A.  N.  present  M''  B  &  W 

16.  Sir  Johnson  appearing  before  the  Trustees  did  accept  of 
the  place  of  a  Tutor  of  the  Collegiate  School,  whereunto  he  is 
chosen 

17.  By  virtue  of  an  Ord^  from  the  Trustees  of  this  Meeting 
to  ye  Treasurer  of  the  Collegiate  School  to  receive  the  five 
hundred  pounds  given  by  the  General  Assembly  to  the  Trus- 
tees of  the  Collegiate  School,  Capt.  Joseph  Whiting  of  New 
haven  as  order  of  the  sd  Treasurer  did  actually  receive  the 
Just  &  full  Sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  in  Bills  of  Creditt 
Currant  in  this  Colony,  delivered  by  ye  Reverend  M^  Tim^ 
Woodbridg  &  M^  Thomas  Buckingham  in  the  presence  of  the 
Trustees  Subscribing 

Samuel  Russel  Moses  Noyes 

Joseph  Webb  Samuel  Andrew 

Thomas  Ruggles         John  Davenport 

18.  We  agree,  that  M^  Samuel  Smith  be  a  Tuto^  of  the  Col- 
legiate School,  and  choose  him  accordingly?  By  an  Universal 
Vote  of  all  present  M^  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

19.  We  agree,  that  the  Rev*^  M^  Andrew  the  Recto^  acquaint 
M^  Smith  of  his  being  chosen  Tutor  of  the  Collegiate  School, 
and  Solicit  him  by  Letters  to  Accept  the  place?  By  a  full 
vote.  Mr.  R.  D.  W.  R.  N.    M^  B.  W.  A.  did  not  vote. 

20.  We  agree,  in  case  of  M^  Smith  his  not  accepting  the  place 
of  tutor  whereunto  he  is  chosen,  that  then  the  Recto^  with  any 
two  of  the  trustees  besides,  have  power  to  Supply  the  place  of 
a  tutor,  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Trustees.  Voted  &  past. 
Mr  R.  D.  W.  R.  N.    M'-  B.  W.  A.  did  not  vote. 

21.  We  agree,  that  M^  Andrew,  M^-  Russel,  M^"  Webb,  M^* 
Davenport,  M^  Ruggles  be  the  Committee  of  the  Trustees  to 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  77 

Inspect,  order,  &  direct  the  Buildings  afores^^  of  the  Colle- 
giate house  &  the  Rectors  house  at  New  haven.  By  a  full  vote 
Each  member  of  the  s^^-  Trustees-Committee  was  chosen 
separately 

22.  We  further  agree  that  a  major  part  of  s^-  Trustees  Com- 
mittee Shall  have  a  power  to  act  in  Relation  to  s^-  buildings. 
By  a  full  vote. 

23.  "We  agree  &  make  Choice  of  M""  Sam^-  Smith  afores^-  to 
be  the  Senio^  Tuto''  of  s*^-  Collegiate  School.  By  a  full  vote. 
Mr.  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

24.  We  agree  that  M^  Wareham  Mather  Captain  Joseph 
"VVhiting  and  M^  John  Punderson  Junio^  all  of  New  haven  be 
&  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  together  with  M^  Jona- 
than Law  of  Milford  &  Captain  John  Hall  of  Wallingsford 
who  are  desired  to  give  also  their  assistance  as  often  as  they 
may  ^\ith  Convenience,  to  have  the  oversight  &  ord^ing  of  the 
buildings  for  the  Collegiate  School  &  and  Recto^  with,  all 
Convenient  Speed  according  to  the  advice  &  Directions  from 
time  to  time  given  by  the  Committee  of  the  Trustees  ap- 
pointed by  this  meeting.    By  a  full  vote  M^"  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

25.  We  agree,  that  M^  Russel  M^  Webb  M^  Davenport  &  M^ 
Ruggles  Shall  attend  a  quarterly  Visitation  of  the  Collegiate 
School  Each  of  them,  wherein  a  Sermon  is  designed  to  be 
delivered  to  the  Students,  by  the  Visitants  in  their  Respective 
times.    By  a  full  vote.  M^  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

26.  We  agree  that  Notice  be  given  to  all  the  Students  belong- 
ing to  this  Collegiate  School,  that  provision  is  made  by  the 
Trustees  for  their  Instruction  &  Government  here  at  New 
haven.    By  a  full  vote  M^  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

27.  We  desire  &  order  M^  Samuel  Russel  to  write  in  our 
Name  to  M^  John  Dixwell  of  Boston  to  send  by  the  first  Safe 
Opportunity  the  Books  &  Globes  given  to  the  Collegiate 
School  unto  New  haven  &  Consign  them  to  the  Reverend  M'^ 
Joseph  Noyes  of  New  haven  for  the  Use  of  the  School.  By  a 
full  vote  M^  R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

28.  We  intreat  the  Reverend  M^  Mosfes  Noyes  to  take  care 


78  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1716 

for  the  present  &  untill  further  ord'',  that  the  books  of  the 
Collegiate  School,  which  books  are  now  at  Saybrook  be  well 
secured.    By  a  full  vote,  M^  R.  D.  W.  R.  A. 

29.  We  agree,  that  the  Classes  of  the  Senior  Sophisters  & 
Junior  Sophisters  be  under  the  Tuition  of  the  Senio^  Tutor, 
and  that  the  Classes  of  Sophimores  &  Freshmen  be  under  the 
Tuition  of  the  Junior  Tuto^  By  a  full  vote.  M^  R.  D.  W.  R. 
A.  N. 

30.  We  agree,  desire  &  order  M^  Samuel  Russel  late  Tuto^ 
of  s<^-  School  to  receive  &  safely  convey  the  Colledg-Records 
from  Saybrook  to  New-haven.  By  a  full  vote  M^  R.  D.  W.  R. 
A.  N. 

31.  We  agree  that  the  Senio^  Tuto^  be  the  Library-keeper 
for  the  s'i-  School  at  New-Haven.  By  a  full  vote  M^  R.  D.  W. 
R.  A.  N. 

32.  We  agree  that  the  Rev'^  M''  Stephen  Buckingham  be 
chosen  a  Trustee  of  the  Collegiate  School.  By  a  full  vote  M^ 
R.  D.  W.  R.  A.  N. 

All  the  Above  Agreements  Acts  &  Votes  Voted  &  passed  by 
a  full  Vote  as  above  is  Specifyed 

Test.  John  Davenport  Scribe 


December  19.  1716. 

I  have  perused  &  well  considered  the  above  32  voats  of 
the  trustees  &  doe  hereby  signe  them  in  token  of  my  hearty 
Concurrance  w*^-  all  &  euery  of  s<^-  voats,  as  witness  my  hand. 

James  Noyes. 

Witnesses, 

Robert  Stanton 
Daniel  harison 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  79 

XLVII.    Vote  of  the  Town  of  Hartford 

December  18,  1716 

[From  the  Town  Records] 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Hartford 
held  in  Hartford  December  18*^-  1716. 

Voted  that  whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony 
having  sometime  since  given  power  to  certain  Trustees  to 
erect  a  Collegiate  school  in  this  Colony,  and  to  determine  the 
place  of  its  settlement,  and  having  also  contributed  to  its 
yearly  maintenance,  and  given  a  very  considerable  sum  of 
money  to  the  building  a  house  for  the  entertaining  of  schollars 

And  whereas  the  counties  of  Hartford  and  New-London, 
being  more  in  number  than  the  rest  of  the  government,  and 
paying  the  greatest  part  of  the  money  given  for  the  subsisting 
the  Collegiate  school,  and  having  furnished  the  said  school 
with  the  greater  number  of  schollars,  had  reason  to  expect 
that  in  appointing  the  place  of  the  school,  good  respect  should 
be  had  to  them  therein ;  but  finding  it  quite  otherwise,  and  that 
the  settling  thereof  at  New  Haven  is  attended  with  great  diffi- 
culties, such  as  cannot  be  easily  overcome,  it  being  so  very 
remote,  and  the  transporting  any  thing  by  water  thither  being 
so  uncertain,  there  being  but  little  communication  between 
these  counties  and  New  Haven;  and  understanding  that  at  a 
meeting  of  the  major  part  of  the  Trustees,  at  Hartford  last 
May,  which  major  part,  by  the  charter  given  to  the  Trustees, 
have  full  power  to  act,  did  then  determine  that  if  they  could 
not  universally  agree  to  the  place  of  settlement  of  said  school, 
when  they  should  meet  at  the  next  commencement,  at  Say- 
brook,  then  they  should  refer  the  nomination  of  the  place,  to 
the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  next  October  following, 
those  of  the  Trustees  that  dissented  from  the  settling  of  the 
school  at  New-Haven,  were  under  the  necessity,  in  faithful- 
ness to  those  counties  for  whose  convenience  they  were  con- 
cerned to  inform  the  General  Assembly  of  the  same,  but  there 
being  then  nothing  issued,  we  do  for  ourselves  declare  our 
dissatisfaction  with  the  settling  the  Collegiate  school  at  New- 


80  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1716 

Haven,  by  only  an  equal  part  of  the  Trustees,  and  hereby 
remonstrate  against  the  same,  and  desire  that  the  General 
Assembly  that  shall  be  in  May  next,  may  be  moved,  that  by 
an  act,  they  make  a  full  settlement  thereof,  and  that  it  be  a 
part  of  the  instruction  of  our  deputies  at  the  said  General 
Assembly,  to  offer  this  our  remonstrance  and  endeavour  that 
the  Collegiate  school  may  be  settled  in  a  place  that  shall  be 
judged  by  them  most  suitable,  and  where  it  may  be  best  sub- 
sisted, and  most  accomodable  to  the  greatest  part  of  the 
government. 


XLVIII.    Authorization  by  the  Trustees  for  the 
Use  of  Money  for  Building  in  New  Haven 

December  19-29,  1716 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  text  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Russel,  of  Branf  ord. 

The  Rev^^-  Sam^^-  Andrew,  Sam^^-  Russel,  Joseph  Webb, 
John  Davenport,  &  Thomas  Ruggles  having  (by  Act  of  y® 
Trustees  at  Newhaven,  on  Octob^-  17^^-  1716)  been  chosen  a 
Committe  of  y*  Trustees  of  y®  Collegiate  School  to  Inspect, 
Order  and  direct  the  building  the  Collegiate  house  and  the 
Rectors  house  at  Newhaven : 

Wee  subscribed  do  hereby  giue  them  s*^-  Committee,  or  y^ 
Major  part  of  them,  full  power  to  draw  forth  of  y®  School 
Treasury  from  time  to  time  until  farther  order  of  y^  Trustees, 
such  sums  of  money  as  shal  be  needful  for  their  carrying  on 
of  s^-  Buildings,  or  any  charges  y*-  may  arise  thereon. 

Stonington,  Decemb-"-  19t^  1716  H^^"^^  ^""J^^ 

[Samuel  Russel. 

•i-r  T^  f^^T     ..  rr-.  ^  [  SaMUEL    ANDREW 

New  Haven,  Decem.  27,  1716  i  ^n        r> 

'  '  [Tho.  Ruggles 

Fairfield  DeC"-  28  1716  Joseph  Webb 
Stamford  Dec'"-  29,  1716  John  Davenport 


1716]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  81 

XLIX.    Vote  of  the  Proprietors  of  Town  Lands  in 

New  Haven 

December  24,  1716 

'        [From  the  Town  Records] 

At  a  Meeting  of  y®  Proprietors  of  y«  Undeuided  Land  in 
N  Haven  this  24  day  of  Decem^^-  1716. 

The  s*^-  propriators  grant  y*-  eight  acres  of  y^ 

Land  next  adjoyning  to  y«  two  acres  of  squestred  Land 
giuen  by  Joseph  Peck  to  y«  Colegiat  School  be  granted  to  j^ 
Trustees  of  s^-  School  when  &  so  long  as  s'l  school  shall  be 
continued  here  &  y*-  y«  propriators  of  y®  sequestred  Land  in  y« 
town  be  allowed  for  y^  s*^-  eight  acres  of  Land  in  y«  most 
conuenient  place 


L.    A  Remonstrance  Against  the  Settling  of  the 
Collegiate  School  at  New  Haven 

[From  a  copy  in  the  University  Archives  made  in  1717 
by  Tutor  Samuel  Johnson] 

This  paper  was  circulated  by  the  Rev.  Timothy  Wood- 
bridge  and  the  Rev.  Thomas  Buckingham,  the  two  Hart- 
ford Trustees.    The  date  was  probably  in  January,  1717. 

The  Gen^^-  Assembly  of  this  Collony  having  some  time  given 
power  to  certain  Trustees  to  Erect  a  Collegiate  School  in  this 
Colony  and  to  Determine  the  place  of  its  Settlement,  &  having 
also  Contributed  to  its  yearly  Maintainance  &  given  a  very 
Considerable  Summe  of  Money  to  the  building  an  House  for 
Entertaining  of  Schollars.  And  whereas  the  Counties  of  N 
London  &  Hartford  being  more  in  Numbers  than  the  rest  of 
y®  Government  &  paying  the  Greatest  part  of  the  Money 
given  for  the  Subsisting  the  Collegiate  School,  &  having  fur- 
nished the  s*^-  School  with  the  greatest  Number  of  Schollars, 
had  reason  to  Expect  that  in  apointing  the  place  of  the 
School  Good  respect  should  have  been  had  to  them  therein. 


82  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1717 

But  finding  it  quite  Otherwise,  &  that  the  Settling  thereof  at 
N  Haven  is  attended  with  great  Difficulty,  such  as  cant  be 
easily  overcome,  it  being  so  very  remote  &  the  Transporting 
any  thing  by  Water  so  uncertain,  &  there  being  so  little  Com- 
munication between  these  Counties  &  N  Haven.  &  Under- 
standing that  at  a  Meeting  of  y^  Major  part  of  the  Trustees 
at  Hartford  (which  Major  part  by  the  Charter  given  to  the 
Trustees  have  full  power  to  act)  did  then  determine  that  if 
they  Could  not  Universally  Agree  to  the  Settlement  of  s*^- 
School  when  they  should  meet  at  next  Commencement  at  Say- 
brook  then  they  should  refer  the  Nomination  of  the  place  to 
the  Meeting  of  y^  Gen^^-  Assembly  next  October  following. 
Those  of  the  Trustees  that  Dissented  from  the  Settling  the 
Collegiate  School  at  N  Haven  were  under  a  Necessity  in 
faithfullness  to  those  Counties  for  whose  Conveniency  they 
were  Concerned  to  inform  the  Gen^^-  Assembly  of  the  Same, 
but  there  being  Nothing  Issued :  We  do  for  o^-  selves  declare 
our  Dissatisfaction  with  the  Settling  of  y^  School  at  N  Haven, 
by  only  an  Equal  part  of  the  Trustees,  &  hereby  Remonstrate 
against  the  same  &  desire  that  the  Gen^^-  Assembly  that  shall 
be  in  May  next,  may  be  moved  that  by  an  Act  they  may  make 
a  full  Settlement  thereof,  &  y*-  it  be  part  of  the  Instructions 
of  y^-  Deputies  at  the  s^-  Gen^^-  Assembly,  to  offer  y^-  our 
remonstrance  &  Endeavour  y*-  the  School  be  settled  in  a 
place,  that  shall  be  judged  by  them  most  Convenient  &  where 
it  may  be  best  subsisted  &  most  accomodable  to  the  greatest 
part  of  the  Government. 


LI.    Memorandum  of  Timber  for  the  Collegiate 

House 

January  4,  1717 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

In  y^  front,  10  posts,  27  foot  long ;  10  inches  Square  each. 

3  Sils  54  foot  Long,  beside  Spliceing,  10  inches  wide, 

&  8  deep. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  83 

for  ye  Hall,  2  girts ;  31  foot  Longe ;  10  inches  wide  &  8 

deep. 
for  ye  Staircases,  6  girts ;  9  foot  Long ;  10  inches  wide  & 

8  deep. 
for  ye  other  romes,  10  girts  21  foot  Long;  10  Inches 

wide  8  deep. 
3  plates  54  foot  Long  (besides  Spliceing) ;  8  Inches  Square 
for  the  Ends  4  Girts  21  foot  Long  10 :  and  8. 
for  the  Top  10  beams  27  foot  Long  10 :  and  8 
For  End  Sils  and  Cross  Sills  10:  of  22  foot  Long:  10  &  8 
21  Summers :  22  foot  Long :  12 :  and  8 :  or  7 
16  Cross  Girts  21  foot  Long  10  &  8 

for  the  back  of  the  house  10  posts  27  foot  Long  10  Square 
10  Girts  21  foot  Long  8 :  and  6 
for  the  hall  back  &c  2  Girts  31  foot  Long  8  and  6 

Newhaven  Jan^y.  4*^-  1716/7.  I  gaue  the  Committe  for 
building  the  Collegiate  house  the  aboue  dimensions  for  ye 
getting  ye  great  timber  for  s*^-  house 

Wittnes  my  hand 

Samuel  Russel 


LII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

February  21,  1717 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  179-182,  Boston,  1904] 

Revd-  &  Worthy  S"" 

I  have  your  letter  of  May  Last  before 

me I  am  sorry  I  cannot  yet  Send  you  the  rest  of  the 

books  with  the  Catalogue,  but  hope  to  do  it  by  the  fall,  having 
a  promise  of  Several  large  benefactions  not  yet  come  in.  I 
should  be  glad  however  in  the  mean  time  if  some  oration  at 
your  Commencement  might  take  notice  of  what  Books  you 
have  already  receiv'd  (I  mean  onely  in  General  words)  & 
acknowledge  your  obligations  to  yo""  Friends  here,  &  that  then 


84  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

a  proper  paragraph  of  it  might  be  prepar'd  for  the  Boston 
Gazett,  &  the  Gazett  sent  over  to  me.  I  could  perhaps  make 
nse  of  this  contrivance  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  Colledge, 
besides  it  is  a  necessary  peice  of  gratitude  in  you,  &  as  requi- 
site for  my  acquittal 

I  wish  you  much  health  &  happyness  &  am  With  very 
great  Esteem  &  respect 

S^ 

Your  faithfull  Humble   Serv* 

Jer:  Dummee 
Whitehall 
21t  FeVy- 1716/17 

Mr  Timty  Woodbridge 


LIII.    Eemaeks  on  the  Remonstrance  against  Set- 
tling THE  Collegiate  School  at  New  Haven 

February  22,  1717 

[From  a  contemporary  copy,  by  Tutor  Samuel  Johnson, 
in  the  IJniversity  Archives] 

The  signers  of  this  document  were  the  acting  Rector, 
Samuel  Andrew,  of  Milford,  and  a  neighboring  Trustee, 
Samuel  Russel,  of  Branford.  An  endorsement  ascribes 
the  authorship  to  Rector  Andrew's  son-in-law,  Jonathan 
Law  (Harvard  1695),  of  Milford,  a  lawyer,  and  Judge 
of  the  Superior  Court. 

Some  Remarks  upon  y^  Unjust  representation  Contain 'd 
in  a  paper  unfairly  Dispersed  thro '  the  Counties  of  N  London 
&  Hartford  (according  to  Information)  Called  a  remon- 
strance against  the  Settling  those  Affairs  in  a  true  &  clear 
Light. 

The  Remonstrance  is  attended  with  somthing  of  Inconsist- 
encies Mistakes  &  Misrepresentations.  The  Declaration  is 
Inconsistent  with  the  Supplication. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  85 

The  Remonstrants  say  truly  that  the  Gen"-  Assembly  have 
given  power  to  Certain  Trustees  to  determine  the  place  of 
the  Settlement  of  the  Collegiate  School,  &  that  the  major  part 
of  them  have  full  power  to  Act,  for  further  Confirmation  Wof 
these  are  the  Clauses  of  y®  Charter  or  Act,  viz*-  in  such  con- 
venient place  or  places  as  to  them  shall  seem  meet  &  most 
conducive  to  the  Ends  affors*^-,  that  the  affore  named  Trustees 
or  the  major  part  of  them,  have  &  shall  have  the  Oversight, 
Liberty,  Power  &  Privilidge,  to  furnish  Direct  Manage  & 
Improve  the  s*^-  Collegiate  School  so  erected  &  founded  by 
y™-  Tis  strange  these  Gentlemen  should  desire  the  Gen"- 
Assembly  to  settle  it  in  such  a  place  as  to  them  should  seem 
meet.  Brethren,  I  speak  after  the  manner  of  men,  tho  it  be 
but  a  mans  Covenant,  if  it  be  Confirmed  no  man  disannuleth 
it,  or  addeth  thereto.  Gal.  III.  15,  16,  17.  By  the  same  Rule 
every  Order  of  the  Trustees  may  be  defeated,  every  Contra 
remonstrant  will  be  of  opinion  that  when  the  Gen"-  Assembly 
shall  do  this  thing  they  shall  practically  say  to  the  World  & 
to  his  Majesty,  that  all  these  Elections  &  other  Acts  may  by 
Application  to  him  under  whome  they  hold  thier  Charter  be 
avoided  &  defeated.  Let  none  desire  the  Assembly  to  do  that 
to  thier  Grantees  which  they  would  not  Others  should  do  to 
them  viz  Destroy  their  Charters  &  Charter  privileges. 

The  Remonstrants  are  mistaken  in  the  very  thing  on  which 
they  ground  thier  Dissatisfaction,  viz  that  its  Settled  at  N 
Haven  by  only  an  equal  part  of  y«  Trustees.  At  N  Haven 
were  convened  Eight  Trustees,  &  but  one  capable  of  action 
absent.  Of  those  who  were  present  5  were  for  N  Haven,  2 
Absolutely  against  it  viz  the  Upriver  Trustees  who  at  Say- 
brook  in  September  last  voted  it  Advisable  to  remove  the 
Collegiate  School  to  Hartford,  as  the  Memoirs  of  the  Sep- 
tember Meeting  expressly  sheW^;  the  other  declared  that  in 
Case  the  Collegiate  School  must  be  removed  from  Saybrook 
then  he  was  for  its  Settlement  at  N  Haven. 

M^-  M r  of  W r  then  was  and  for  a  long  time  had 

been  uncapable  of  any  Concernment  with  it  but  while  Capable 
declared  himself  for  N  Haven  in  a  letter  to  M^-  Pierpont  yet 


86  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

to  be  seen.    As  for  M^-  N ys  of  Stonnington  then  Absent, 

The  Trustees  at  s<^-  Meeting  had  Certain  Information  that  he 
was  for  its  Settlement  at  N  Haven  &  took  the  first  Oppor- 
tunity to  manifest  his  Consent  with  the  five  for  the  Settlement 
at  N  Haven,  &  signed  thier  Agreement  \y^^-  his  own  hand. 

Hence,  than  these  things  nothing  can  be  more  plain  viz* 
1  That  the  Active  Trustees  were  but  nine  if  that  which  was 
wanting  cannot  be  numbered  of  W^  five  is  y®  Maj^-  part.  2  that 
if  the  Trustees  would  remove  the  Collegiate  School  from  Say- 
brook  there  were  6  for  N  Haven.  3  If  the  Trustees  cannot 
act  without  meeting  together  5  was  the  major  part  of  them 
Conven'd.  4  That  if  the  Trustees  may  act  without  a  Con- 
vention then  the  majority  is  fully  supply 'd  by  the  aboves*^- 
subscription.  Since  the  Cause  of  the  Dissatisfaction  is  taken 
away  tis  Charitably  hoped  that  the  Effect  will  Cease. 

The  motives  of  the  Settlement  are  not  truly  represented. 
Indeed  if  those  were  the  only  things  that  ought  to  have  been 
Considered  &  were  true  they  ought  again  to  consider  of  the 
matter. 

In  reference  to  the  Number  of  y^  people  Ought  they  not 
with  the  Conveniency  of  y^  people  to  have  some  respect  to 
the  flourishing  State  of  the  Collegiate  School?  And  is  there 
not  a  prospect  that  the  Western  Governments  who  have  no 
such  meanes  of  Education  among  them  should  contribute 
more  to  the  Advanceing  the  Intrest  of  the  School  than  y^ 
Eastern  who  are  so  wel  furnished  at  home?  Doth  the  Lesser 
Luminary  of  y*  Heavens  ever  appear  with  so  great  a  lustre  as 
when  she  is  furthest  from  the  Sun  unless  the  Interposition  of 
the  Earth  Eclipse  her  Glory?  And  as  to  the  Inhabitants  of 
y®  Goverment,  are  not  the  Greater  Number  of  the  principal 
Towns  on  the  Sea  Coast?  And  as  to  the  Towns  on  the  river, 
is  it  not  easier  for  them  to  come  down  than  for  all  the  rest  to 
go  up?  And  as  to  the  Travail  is  not  N  Haven  much  nearer 
the  Center  than  Saybrook  &  very  little  further  distant  than 
any  other  place  that  could  have  been  pitched  upon? 

As  to  the  Money  there  is  no  such  great  Odds  in  the  public 
List  as  is  pretended  to,  most  Certain  it  may  be  presumed,  that 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  87 

there  is  much  more  difference  between  the  lists  of  the  two 
western  Counties  and  either  of  the  other,  than  there  is  be- 
tween the  two  other  Counties  put  together  &  the  western. 

And  farther  if  the  money  should  weigh  so  heavy  the  Con- 
tributions ought  not  to  be  considered  in  which  the  western 
far  exceeded,  neither  is  it  a  fair  Computation  between  three 
Competitors  to  wrekon  two  against  one. 

And  as  to  the  Number  of  Schollars  its  not  so  much  to  be 
considered  what  has  been  as  what  may  be  hereafter — these 
and  other  Circumstances  were  well  weighed  in  the  ballance 
by  the  Trustees  settling  the  School  at  New  Haven. 

One  thing  more  is  aledged  in  Objection  by  the  remon- 
strants which  being  Considered  this  paper  may  be  dismissed 
to  speak  for  it  self. 

It  is  the  Act  of  the  Trustees  at  Hartford.  This  Act  is  said 
to  be  made  by  the  major  part  of  the  Trustees,  who  by 
Charter  have  power  to  act.  Surely  if  the  major  part  of  the 
Trustees  had  power  to  Act  then  they  have  still ;  the  proposal 
was  that  the  Assembly  should  nominate  y^  place  which 
implyeth  that  the  Trustees  shall  settle  it.  They  never  in- 
tended a  Settlement  by  any  Other  Authority  than  that  by  w^- 
it  is  now  settled;  the  whole  Society  could  not  make  such  an 
Act,  as  should  divest  the  majority  of  thier  Authority;  if  this 
Act  hath  a  tendency  to  make  the  Consent  of  all  who  have 
voices  of  Assent  or  Dissent  necessary,  or  to  render  the  Acts 
of  the  majority  invalid,  it  is  contrarj^  to  the  nature  &  State 
of  ys-  Society  as  appears  by  thier  Charter,  which  is  a  private 
law  to  the  Society,  against  which  they  are  therein  forbidden 
to  make  any  Statute  or  Order.  It  is  contrary  to  the  law  of  all 
Societies,  It  is  contrary  to  the  Common  Law  of  England,  & 
directly  contrary  to  the  33  Hen.  Cap.  27  which  saitli  that  the 
Act  of  the  more  part  of  every  College  or  Corporation  within 
the  realm  and  in  every  place  shall  bind,  tho  any  should  have 
sworn  to  the  Contrary,  y*-  all  may  act  in  one  Conformity  of 
reason. 

It  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  we  as  in  duty  bound  have  acted 
our  Consciences  in  the  matter  of  the  settlement  of  y®  Colle- 


88  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

giate  Scliool  according  to  the  trust  reposed  in  us  and  can  any 
Expect  that  we  should  Comply  with  a  minority  when  others 
will  not  comply  with  a  Majority. 

Sam^^-  Andrew 
Sam^^-  Russel 

N.  Haven  Feb.  22,  1716  [i.e.,  1716/17] 


LIV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  5,  1717 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

The  vote  asliing  Mr.  Ruggles  to  find  out  "what  may  be 
due  on  account  of  donations  towards  the  School  while  at 
Saybrook"  refers  to  gifts  and  bequests  conditioned  on 
the  School's  continuing  in  that  place. 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School 
holden  at  New  haven  April  the  5*^  1717. 

Present  the  Rev^  Messieurs 

James  Noyes  The    Rev*^    M^"    James 

Samuel  Andrew  Noyes  is  chosen  &  ap- 

Samuel  Russel  pointed    Moderator    of 

Joseph  Webb  this    present    Meeting. 

John  Davenport  The  Reverend  M^"  John 

Thomas  Ruggles  Davenport  is  chosen  & 

Stephen  Buckingham         appointed     Scribe     of 

this  present  meeting 
Whereas  there  was  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the 
Collegiate  School  by  adjournment  from  Saybrook 
Sept-  12.  1716  holden  at  N  Haven  October  17.  1716 
whereat  were  present  8  Trustees  to  Say  the  Reverend 
Moses  Noyes,  Samuel  Andrew,  Timo  Woodbridg, 
Samuel  Russell,  Joseph  Webb,  John  Davenport, 
Thomas    Buckingham,    Thomas    Ruggles,    at    which 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  89 

meeting  many  Acts  or  Votes  or  Conclusions  were  past 
fully  and  positively  by  five  of  the  Trustees  then  Con- 
vened Consenting,  and  the  acts  of  s^-  Meeting  were 
offered  to  the  perusal  of  the  Reverend  James  Noyes, 
which  that  ReV^  Gentleman  &  Trustee  did  fully  ap- 
prove of,  &  fully  &  freely  consent  unto  &  Signed  with 
his  own  hand  Decemb.  19.  1716  The  Trustees  Con- 
vened at  this  present  meeting  have  looked  over  all  the 
doings  of  s<3-  October  meeting,  and  having  duly  perused 
them  do  establish  all  the  determinations  of  s^-  October 
meeting  that  now  follow,  having  retained  an  Un- 
changed Judgment  concerning  all  the  Subsequent 
determinations  from  the  time  of  their  having  respec- 
tively Consented  to  them  untill  now,  viz. 

No.  3  Question.  Whether  Considering  the  Difficulties  of 
Continuing  the  Collegiate  School  of  Conecticut  Colony 
at  Saybrook  appearing  to  us,  We  the  Trustees  of  s*^- 
School  agree  that  the  said  Collegiate  School  be  now 
removed  from  Saybrook  to  New-haven,  &  that  the  said 
Collegiate  School  be  Settled  at  New  haven,  as  a  Very 
Convenient  place  for  it,  and  for  which  the  Most 
Liberal  Donations  are  given,  appearing  to  us,  as  well 
as  on  many  other  Considerations,  and  It  is  now 
Settled  at  New  haven  accordingly?  The  Question 
Resolved  &  Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

No.  5  Whether  the  Trustees  here  convened  do  judg  it  Con- 
venient that  application  be  made  by  s<^-  Trustees  to  the 
General  Assembly  to  Nominate  the  place  of  the  Col- 
legiate School  of  this  Colony,  when  the  s*^-  Trustees  on 
this  present  meeting  in  the  faithful  Discharg  of  the 
Trust  reposed  in  them,  and  in  Exerting  of  the  power 
conveyed  to  them  by  the  Act  for  s^-  School  have 
already  settled  the  s^-  School  at  New-haven?  The 
Question  Resolved  by  Vote  in  the  Negative. 

No.  7  Whether  we  approve  Sir  Johnson  of  Guilford  for  a 
Tuto^  of  the  Collegiate  School?  Resolved  in  the 
affirmative. 


90  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1717 

No.  15  We  agree  that  Sir  Johnson  be  a  Tutor  of  the  Colle- 
giate School  &  Choose  him  Accordingly. 

No.  16  Sir  Johnson  appearing  before  the  Trustees  did  accept 
of  the  place  of  a  Tutor  of  the  Collegiate  School,  where- 
unto  he  is  chosen. 

No.  9  Whether  we  agree  that  the  Building  of  a  Collegiate 
School  &  also  the  house  for  a  Recto^  in  New  haven  be 
undertaken  with  all  Convenient  Speed!  Resolved  & 
Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

No.  10  Whether  the  hon^^e  Governor  with  our  Deputy  Gov- 
ernor be  Intreated  to  favour  us  w*^  their  advice  con- 
cerning the  Architechtonick  part  of  the  buildings  of 
the  Collegiate  house  &  the  Recto^^  house?  Voted  in 
the  affirmative. 

No.  13  We  agree  that  the  Reverend  M^  Samuel  Andrew  of 
Milford  be  the  Recto^  of  the  Collegiate  School  for  the 
present,  &  untill  a  Setled  Recto''  be  fixed  in  the  School 
(which  we  will  endeavour  with  all  Convenient  speed) 
often  to  visit  &  inspect  the  said  School. 
The  trustees  nominate  &  chose  Mr.  Sam^-  Smith  to 
be  a  Tutor  at  ye  Collegiate  &  in  case  of  M^  Smith's 
non  acceptance  of  sd  office  it  is  agreed — 

No.  20  We  agree,  in  case  of  M^  Smith  his  not  accepting  the 
place  of  Tutor,  whereunto  he  is  chosen,  that  then  the 
Recto''  with  any  two  of  the  Trustees  besides,  have 
power  to  supply  the  place  of  a  Tutor,  untill  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Trustees. 

No.  21  We  agree  that  M^  Andrew,  M^  Russel,  M^"  Webb,  M'" 
Davenport,  &  M'"  Ruggles  be  the  Committee  of  the 
Trustees,  to  inspect,  order  &  direct  the  Buildings 
aforesd  of  the  Collegiate  house  &  the  Rector's  house  at 
New  Haven. 

No.  22  We  further  agree,  that  a  Major  part  of  said  Trustees 
Committee  shall  have  a  power  to  act  in  Rotation  to 
said  Buildings. 

No.  24  We  agree,  that  M''  Warham  Mather,  Capt.  Joseph 
Whiting  &  M'"  John  Punderson  Junio'"  all  of  New 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  91 

haven  be  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee,  to- 
gether with  M^  Jonathan  Law  of  Milford  &  Capt.  Jolm 
hall  of  Wallingford,  who  are  desired  to  give  also  their 
assistance  as  often  as  they  may  with  Convenience,  to 
have  the  Oversight  &  Ordering  of  the  Buildings  for 
the  Collegiate  School,  &  the  Recto'"  mth  all  Con- 
venient Speed,  according  to  the  advice  &  Directions 
from  time  to  time  given  by  the  Committee  of  the 
Trustees  appointed  by  this  meeting. 

No.  25  We  agree,  that  M^  Russel,  M^"  Webb,  M^  Davenport, 
and  M^  Ruggles  shall  attend  a  quarterly  Visitation  of 
the  Collegiate  School  Each  of  them,  wherein  a  Ser- 
mon is  designed  to  be  delivered  to  the  Students,  by  the 
Visitants  in  their  Respective  times. 

No.  32  We  agree  that  the  Reverend  M^  Stephen  Buckingham 
be  chosen  a  Trustee  of  the  Collegiate  School. 
All  the  above  Numbers  appearing  in  the  memoirs  of 
the  meeting  last  October,  transcribed  out  of  sd 
memoirs  upon  a  just  Review  &  perusal  of  them  the 
Trustees  of  this  present  meeting  who  have  signed  the 
doings  of  s*^-  Octob^-  meeting  do  now  sign  all  the  above 
Acts 

New  haven  April  5.  1717 

James  Noyes  i 

Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 

The  Reverend  M^  Stephen  Buckingham  who  was  chosen  a 

Trustee  of  the  Collegiate  School  at  the  adjourned  meeting  of 

October  Last  by  a  full  vote,  personally  appeared,  and  accepted 

the  place  of  a  Trustee  (whereunto  he  was  Chosen),  on  this 

meeting. 

The  Trustees  here  convened  agree  &  order  that  the  Reverend 


92  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

M^  Ruggles  be  Impowered  and  Intreated  to  make  inquiry 
what  may  be  due  from  the  Trustees  on  account  of  Donations 
tow<^s  the  Collegiate  School  while  at  Saybrook,  &  to  represent 
as  particular  an  Account  as  he  may  obtain  to  the  Trustees  in 
order  to  their  observing  Justice  in  that  matter,  as  also  to  take 
care  of  the  Library  of  the  Collegiate  School,  which  library  is 
at  Saybrook.  Voted  fully  in  ye  affirmative. 
Whereas  there  was  an  Act  or  Agreement  of  the  Trustees  of 
the  tenor  as  followeth.  viz.  The  Reverend  Samuel  Andrew, 
Samuel  Russell,  Joseph  Webb  John  Davenport,  &  Thomas 
Ruggles  having  (by  act  of  the  Trustees  at  New-haven  on 
October  17*^  1716)  been  chosen  a  Committee  of  the  Trustees 
of  the  Collegiate  School,  to  inspect,  order,  &  direct  the  build- 
ing the  Collegiate  house  &  the  Recto^^  house  at  New  Haven — 
We  Subscribed  do  hereby  give  them  sd  Com^^ittee  or  the 
Major  part  of  them,  full  power  to  draw  forth  of  the  School 
Treasury  from  time  to  time  untill  farther  order  of  the 
Trustees  Such  Summs  of  money  as  Shall  be  needfull  for  their 
carrying  on  of  s*^-  Buildings,  or  any  charges  that  may  arise 
thereon. 

T^         ,     .^.,  ._.  ^     f   James  NoYES 
Stomngton  Decemb^  19*^  1716    \    ^  ^ 

^  Samuel  Kussel 


New  haven  Decem.  27.  1716 


Samuel  Andrew 
Tho.  Ruggles 


Fairfield  Dec^  28.  1716  Joseph  Webb 

Stamford  Dec^  29.  1716  John  Davenport 

The  Trustees  here  convened  do  Confirm  &  fully  Consent  unto 
the  sd  Act  or  agreement  afores*^-  Voted  fully  in  the  affirma- 
tive 

The  Trustees  by  a  full  vote  approve  of  the  Seventeen  pounds 
money  paid  to  Sir  Johnson,  being  the  first  pajonent  paid  to 
him  Sir  Johnson  as  Tutor  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  Colle- 
giate School  by  ord^  of  the  Recto^  &  Sundry  Trustees.  Voted 
fully  in  the  affirmative 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  93 

The  Trustees  here  Convened  do  by  a  full  Vote  approve  of  the 
doings  of  Several  Trustees  even  an  ord'"  of  this  Tenor  viz 
New  haven  March  28.  1717     To  Mr.  Joseph  Noyes  of  New 
Haven 

These  are  to  ord^  you  to  receive  of  M^^.  Susanna  Ailing,  Relict 
of  the  Late  Worshipfull  Treasurer  of  the  Collegiate  School  in 
Bills  of  Credit  four  hundred  fifteen  pounds  more  twenty 
pounds  one  shilling,  also  the  Collegiate  Treasury  book,  also 
many  papers  delivered  in  order  to  be  examined  &  if  any 
belong  to  another  affair  to  be  returned  with  a  pillow  case 

Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 

Voted  fully  in  the  affirmative 

The  Trustees  here  convened  by  a  full  vote  agree,  that  the 
Lot  commonly  called  M"  Costers  Lot  Situate  in  New-Haven, 
nearly  adjoyning  to  the  burying  place  or  market  place  be  the 
place  of  the  building  for  the  Collegiate  School  only  upon  these 
conditions  certainly  observed,  that  the  obtaining  said  Lott 
for  the  End  aforesd  be  no  diminution  at  all  of  the  treasury  of 
the  s*i-  Collegiate  School,  nor  lessen  any  thing  of  the  Dona- 
tions Subscribed  or  engaged  on  the  account  of  s<5-  School  for 
Newhaven  offered  to  the  Trustees  convened  at  Newhaven  on 
October  last.  Voted  fully  in  the  affirmative 
The  Trustees  here  convened  do  also  by  a  full  vote  agree  that 
Capt.  Samuel  Thompson  &  M^  William  Thompson  both  of 
New-Haven  be  appointed  &  impowered,  and  they  are  hereby 
impowered  &  appointed  to  obtain  s^-  Lot  on  terms  consistent 
with  the  agreement  immediately  foregoing  by  a  firm  Sufficient 
and  Legal  Instrument  of  Conveyance  from  the  Church  of 
Newhaven-Town,  or  the  Legal  Representative  or  Representa- 
tives thereof  to  the  Rev<i  M^  Samuel  Andrew  &  M^"  Samuel 
Russel  both  Trustees  on  the  behalf  of  the  Trustees  of  the 


94  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

Collegiate  School  Settled  at  New  Haven.  Voted  fully  in  the 
affirmative 

The  Trustees  here  convened  by  vote  agree,  that  In  the  Room 
of  the  Worshipful  John  Ailing  Esq.,  Late  Treasurer  of  the 
Collegiate  School,  dec<i,  Succeed  M^  John  Prout  Junio^  of 
Newhaven,  who  is  hereby  made  choice  of  for  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Collegiate  School  in  NHaven.  Voted  fully  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

M^  John  Prout  Junio^  of  Newhaven  appeared  personally 
before  the  Trustees  here  convened,  &  declared  his  willing 
acceptance  of  the  place  of  the  Treasurer  of  y^  Collegiate 
School  at  Newhaven 

All  the  above  memoirs  Acts  Votes  and  Conclusions  were 
entred,  passed,  &  Concluded  by  the  Joynt  Concurrence  & 
unitedly  full  Consent  of  the  Trustees  here  Convened  and 
Subscribing 

James  Noyes. 
Samuel  Andkew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Tho.  Rugoles 

The  Trustees  here  convened  by  vote  agree  that  the  Reverend 
M^  Samuel  Russel  for  his  Journey  with  a  man  &  charges  to 
Stonington  be  allowed  two  pounds  eight  shill  money  to  be 
deduced  from  his  donation  in  the  Colleg.  School  at  NHaven. 
Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Trustees  here  convened  by  vote  agree,  that  the  Rev<i  M'" 
John  Davenport  for  his  three  Journeys  and  attendants  be 
allowed  five  pounds  money,  &  the  Treasurer  M^  Prout  is 
hereby  ord^'ed  to  make  payment  of  s^-  Sum  to  s*^-  Davenport 
or  ord'"  as  soon  as  it  is  in  the  Treasury.  Voted  in  the  affirma- 
tive. 

The  Trustees  here  convened  by  vote  agree  that  the  Reverend 
M^  Russel  &  M^  Ruggles  or  either  of  them  do  receive  from  the 
Treasurer  so  soon  as  he  may  receive  the  same.  Such  Summ 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  95 

and  Summs  of  moneys  as  Shalbe  a  Reasonable  Satisfaction 
for  the  Posts  Improved  &  needed  on  account  of  this  meeting 
&  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  ordered  to  do  accordingly,  and  the 
said  Receiver  or  Receivers  to  make  payment  as  proper.  Voted 
in  the  affirmative. 

The  Trustees  here  convened  by  vote  agree  that  M"^  Prout 
the  Treasurer  be  ordered  to  receive  the  Donation  of  the  Rev'^ 
Ml"  Joseph  Noyes,  amounting  to  twenty  pounds,  arid  having 
received  the  same,  forthwith  to  make  pajTnent  of  the  Whole 
s<i-  Sum  to  s*i-  M^  Noyes  for  his  half  years  Service  &  tuition 
and  Entertaining  the  Trustees  at  their  Several  meetings 
Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

These  Votes  all  Signed  per  the  Trustees 

James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Tho  :  Ruggles 


LV.    Memorial  to  the  Connecticut  General 
Assembly 

May,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

In  the  handwriting  of  Mr.  Woodbridge. 

To  the  Honourable  Gouern''-,  Councill  &  Representatives  in 
Generall  court  assembled  May  9*^-  1717  A  Memorial  Respect- 
ing the  State  of  the  Collegiate  School. 

In  April  1716  there  was  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  y® 
Collegiate  School  att  Saybrooke,  &  Scholars  were  then  under 
great  Dissatisfaction  with  their  Tutors.  Many  things  were 
Proposed  in  order  to  y®  Quieting  of  y®  scholars,  and  En- 


96  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

deavours  used  to  bring  tliem  to  a  Complyance  with  them,  y*- 
so  they  might  have  continued  together  at  Saybrooke  but  they 
could  not  be  Prevailed  with,  and  what  was  offered  to  them 
did  not  Remove  y^  difficulties.  Att  length  it  was  Proposed 
to  choose  a  3^-  Tutor  which  was  complyed  with  by  y®  Trustees, 
y"^  as  a  matter  of  satisfaction  to  y^  scholars  it  was  Proposed 
by  us  y*-  y^  dissatisfyed  Scholars  might  be  under  y^  care  and 
Instruction  of  y^  s^-  Tutor  &  if  it  could  have  been  gained  y''- 
was  a  Probability  of  y^  Scholars  continuing  att  Saybrooke, 
and  although  we  Laboured  in  it,  it  was  refused  by  y^  Trustees. 
This  being  y«  last  likely  remedy,  &  not  attaining,  y®  School 
was  soon  reduced,  y^  greater  part  of  y^  Scholars  leaving  of 
it  and  many  of  y^  Parents  as  well  as  themselves  unwilling  y*- 
yy-  should  return  thither  again.  Of  this  broken  Estate  of  y® 
School  we  made  a  Representation  to  this  Hon^^^-  Assembly 
in  May  last  Praying  y*-  some  place  might  be  Fixed  for  its 
continuance  and  some  farther  Care  might  be  taken  for  its 
Support.  Our  Petition  was  accepted  by  this  Honourable 
Assembly,  and  y^  other  Trustees  of  y^  s<i-  School  sent  for. 
Six  of  us  met,  y^  major  part  of  y^  Trustees  then  alive  and  y*- 
number  according  to  our  Charter  was  Sufficient  to  Determine 
any  Act  proper  to  them :  We  then  came  to  an  amicable  agree- 
ment, and  brought  our  selves  under  obligations  &  concluded 
a  contract  on  these  conditions  y*-  we  y*-  had  applyed  our  selves 
to  y®  Generall  Assembly  should  leave  any  farther  prosecution 
of  obtaining  y^  determining  y®  Place  of  y^  School  till  y®  com- 
mencement which  we  agreed  should  be  held  att  Saybrook 
y®  Sep*-  following,  and  y*-  then  y^  Trustees  y*-  met  should 
determine  y®  place  of  y^  School  &  it  was  on  y®  other  hand 
agreed  y*-  if  y®  Trustees  then  Present  should  not  agree 
universally  to  y®  Place,  y*-  then  it  should  be  Referred  to  y® 
General  Assembly  in  October  following,  to  nominate  y^ 
Place:  So  y*-  y^-  is  a  plain  contract  y*-  those  Trustees  y*- 
Entred  into  it  and  oblig'd  themselves  by  it  can  not  Possibly 
by  any  act  of  their  own  Violate  it  without  y^  Concurrence  of 
those  on  whom  y^  Conditions  did  Equally  lye  &  y^  concessions 
belongd  to.     [2]   there  is  herein  no  Invading  any  right  or 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  97 

Priviledge  by  charter  granted  to  y®  Trustees  seeing  y®  nomi- 
nating y6  Place  is  only  desired  of  y^  General  Assembly  and 
y6  Power  still  Remaining  in  them,  to  fix  it.  [3]  Neither  is 
y^-  y^  least  invasion  made  upon  y^-  common  right  of  societies 
by  an  Endeavour  to  Enable  a  minor  part  to  overrule  y® 
major,  seeing  all  y*-  was  agreed  to  by  y^  Trustees  in  May  last 
was  y*-  if  y^-  was  not  a  universall  agreement  att  Saybrooke, 
y®  General  Assembly  should  be  advised  with  either  to  concurr 
with  y«,.  Settlement  y^  major  part  of  y«  Trustees  should  have 
made,  or  to  nominate  to  y™-  a  more  convenient  Place:  and 
indeed  if  y®  above  mentioned  contract  had  not  been  made,  it 
had  not  been  any  thing  beside  y®  duty  of  y^  Trustees  to  have 
informed  y«  General  Assembly  with  y®  Place  they  had  agreed 
to  &  to  have  given  y®  Reasons  for  it  they  knowing  y*  y^- 
was  a  great  dissatisfaction  in  y^  Government  att  y*-  time 
with  y®  Schools  continuing  att  Saybrook.  And  as  to  y^  act 
of  y6  Trustees  att  New  haven  in  Octo^^-  last  for  very  Just 
Reasons  we  did  not  concur  with  others  for  Settling  y^  School 
att  N:H  nor  can  wee  look  upon  our  selves  obliged  by  it,  it 
being  done  by  five  of  y^  Trustees  y^-  being  ten  in  all,  two 
absent  &  three  dissenting.  When  those  five  had  agreed  y*- 
Nrhaven  should  be  y®  Place  of  Settlement  for  y^  School  and 
had  passed  by  Vote  y*-  y^  Case  of  y^  School  should  not  be  laid 
before  y^  court  wee  Waited  upon  y^  Court  and  Informed 
them  w*-  our  agreement  was  &  w*-  was  done  by  y®  other 
Trustees  then  met  and  y*-  three  of  us  Dissented  from  it  and 
Prayed  y®  Interposition  of  y  General  Assembly  y*-  a  Place 
so  inconvenient  to  y^  greatest  part  of  j^  Government  might 
not  be  y^  Place  of  y^  Collegiate  School  but  y*-  they  would 
direct  y®  Trustees  to  what  was  more  Equall  and  Just,  w*^-  is 
now  our  Earnest  Desire.  And  after  y^  last  Meeting  of  y^ 
Trustees  att  Newhaven  in  April  last  as  we  are  informed  6  of 
Eleven  subscribed  to  it.  Of  one  of  them  we  have  this  to 
object  y*-  he  was  under  40  years  of  age  when  appointed  or 
chosen  to  y*-  Trust,  W-  is  directly  inconsistant  with  our 
Charter  w<^-  says  no  Person  shall  be  Elected  to  y®  Place  of  a 
Trustee  under  40  years  old:  Upon  y^  whole  we  conclude  [1] 


98  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

y*-  we  cannot  in  faitlifullness  to  our  trust  consent  to  y® 
Settling  of  y^  Collegiate  School  att  Newhaven,  it  being  so 
Inconvenient  to  y^  Greater  Part  of  y^  Government  &  dis- 
satisfying to  them.  [2]  y*-  we  are  no  ways  obliged  to  Submit 
to  y^  act  of  y®  Trustees  in  Settling  y^  School  att  N:haven, 
not  more  than  an  Equal  part  consenting  to  it.  [3]  Upon  a 
disagreement  among  y^  Trustees  tis  by  their  own  act  Re- 
ferred to  this  Hon^-  Assembly  to  nominate  a  Place;  &  these 
things  render  it  necessary  y*-  this  Assembly  take  notice  of  it. 
[1]  If  they  should  not  it  will  be  left  as  matter  of  grievous 
Contention  in  y^  Government  and  will  be  Encreasing.  [2] 
Without  an  Act  of  this  Assembly  the  yearly  Salary  cannot  be 
demanded  of  y«  Treasurer  it  being  by  an  act  of  y®  Assembly 
appropriated  to  Saybrook.  [3]  y®  Determination  of  this 
court  will  put  an  End  to  the  Controversy.  Lastly,  we  Pray 
y*-  y®  last  Years  Salary  given  by  this  court  for  y^  Support 
of  y®  Tutors  be  granted  by  an  act  of  this  Assembly  to  be 
divided  amongst  y®  severall  Tutors  in  proportion  to  y«  num- 
ber of  Scholars  they  had  under  their  care.  And  your  me- 
morialists shall  as  in  duty  bound  Pray  &c. 

t  :  woodbridge 
.  Tho.  Buckingham 

Finding  by  Sad  Experience  y*-  w*-  hath  been  done  towards 
y«  Removing  y^  Collegiate  School  from  Saybrook  to  New 
haven  hath  occasioned  greater  dissatisfaction  among  y« 
Scholars  and  y^-  Parents  than  they  ever  manifested  against 
its  being  att  Saybrook,  so  y*-  I  Despair  of  its  being  Settled  in 
Newhaven  in  peace,  I  concur  with  my  Brethren  y^  Trustees 
att  Hartford  in  desiring  y^  Honourable  Court  whom  we  must 
acknowledge  thankfully  as  our  founders  &  supporters  y^- 
they  would  please  to  nominate  a  Place  where  it  may  be 
Settled  with  Righteousness  &  with  Peace. 

Moses  Noyes. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  99 

LVI.    Resolves  of  the  Lower  House  of  the  Connecti- 
cut General  Assembly  for  the  Settlement 
of  the  Collegiate  School 

May  21-27,  1717 

[From  the  original  Journals,  in  the  Secretary  of  State's 

office] 

The  Journals  of  the  Upper  House  for  this  session  are 
not  preserved. 

A  Eesolue  of  this  house,  that  the  R<i-  Trustees  of  the  Colle- 
giate Schoole  be  sent  to,  for  to  giue  theire  attendance  at  this 
assembly  to  lay  before  them  the  cercumstances  of  s^-  Schoole, 
that  proper  measures  may  be  taken  for  the  best  Regulation 
of  s<^-  Schoole,  sent  up  for  concurrance  [to  the  Upper  House]. 


the  Resolue  of  this  house  Referring  to  sending  for  the 
trustees  Returned  from  the  Board  [i.e.,  the  Upper  House] 
negatiued. 

a  Resolue  of  this  house  that  it  may  be  most  for  publick 
Good  and  the  health  of  the  colegiate  Schoole  to  haue  it  settled 
in  sum  place  at,  or  neare  Connecticut  Riuer,  and  as  the 
oppinion  of  the  house  Recommended  to  the  R^-  Trustees,  and 
upon  a  good  Settlement  of  s^^  Schoole  the  Assembly  will  be 
like  to  f  auour  it. 


Resolued  by  this  assembly  that  in  Leuie  of  the  120^^  jn  pay 
formerly  granted  by  this  Court  for  the  Encoragement  of  the 
collegiate  Schoole  and  to  be  drawn  out  of  the  publick  treasury 
there  shall  be  this  currant  yeare  one  hundred  pound  in  bills 
of  publick  ere*-  distributed  among  the  tutors  in  proportion 
according  to  the  number  of  Schollars  (as  well  those  at 
Wethersfield,  &  Newhauen,  as  those  at  Saybrook)  taught  by 
them 


100  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

Resolued  that  for  the  future  there  shall  not  be  any  money 
drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  for  the  s^-  Schoole  (excepting  the 
aboue  s<^-  100<i)  untill  such  time  as  the  s*^-  Collegiate  Schoole  be 
settled  in  sum  place  agreeable  to  the  minde  of  this  assembly. 


LVII.    Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall 

June  6,  1717 

[From  the  heliotype  copy  in  the  Ancestry  and  Descend- 
ants of  Sir  Richard  Saltonstall,  p.  210.  Cambridge, 
1897] 

This  letter  of  the  Governor  of  the  Colony  was  ad- 
dressed to  the  Senior  Trustee,  the  Rev.  James  Noyes,  of 
Stonington. 

N  Lond.  June.  6.  1717 

Rev^-  &  Dear  S^- 

I  have  your  kind  Letter  of  y^  3^-  Instant,  by  your  Son,  and 
am  much  obliged  to  you  for  It.  There  was  nothing  con- 
cluded by  y«  Court  about  the  Colledge.  for  my  own  part  I 
did  not  intermeddle,  but  the  Upper  House  had  severall  de- 
bates upon  the  Bills  about  the  College  w<^  came  up  from  the 
Lower  House,  w^  were  but  two.  (if  there  were  more  they 
died  where  they  had  their  Originall  &  came  not  up  to  Us.) 

Four  of  the  Gentlemen  of  y®  Assistants  y^-  live  upon  the 
Shore,  Viz  M^-  Christophers,  M^-  Curtice,  Maj^-  Eells,  &  Capt 
Fowler,  were  absent  when  y^  Matter  was  put  to  Voat  in  y^ 
Upper  House,  and  yet  It  was  not  carried  in  y^  Affirmative. 
So  y*-  I  think  y®  Majority  of  that  House,  will  be  unwilling  to 
oppose  y^  Management  of  the  Trustees.  While  they  tell  me 
a  Majority  of  y®  Lower  House,  inclined  to  have  the  Colledge 
built  at  Saybrook.  I  had  a  good  Correspondence  with  M^"- 
Woodbridge,  who,  as  I  came  out  of  town,  moved  me  to  desire 
a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees;  I  told  him  I  could  not  think  It 
would  be  of  good  Consequence  for  such  a  Motion  to  begin 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  101 

with  Me,  but  If  He  would  move,  I  would  give  It  w*-  Favour  I 
might;  and  offered  him  If  He  would  write  to  take  Care  of  a 
Lett^-  to  You,  Who  would  probably  discourse  with  Me  about 
It.  But  He  decliud ;  This  is  all  the  Account  I  am  able  to  give 
You.  And  for  my  own  part,  I  find  my  self  easyly  acquiescing 
in  the  Prudence  of  the  Trustees,  and  Shall  be  always  so  per- 
swaded  of  It,  as  not  to  insert  my  Self  into  their  Affairs,  till 
I  see  further  Reason  for  It. 

I  am,  Rev<^i-  S^-,  Y^-  most  humble  Serv*- 
I  bless  God  You  are  recovered  from  y'"-  late  Indisposition. 

G.  Saltonstall. 


LVIII.    Call  for  a  Trustee-Meeting 

July  10-18,  1717 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  usual  time  for  the  Commencement  y^  currant  year 
draAving  near,  &  the  Trustees  having  setled  an  Annual  meet- 
ing on  each  Commencement :  We  give  notice  to  all  y®  Trustees, 
(y*-  the  Collegiate  school  being  by  Act  of  Trustees  Settled  at 
NeAvhaven)  the  next  Commencement  is  appointed  there  to  be 
on  the  2^-  Wednesday  in  Septemb^-  next,  and  we  do  desire  the 
Trustees  not  to  faile  attending  s^-  meeting  then  to  consult  the 
promoting  the  relief  of  y^  school  from  its  present  difficulties. 

Signed  in  Milford  July  10*^-  1717  by  us. 

Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 

Altho  it  seems  to  me,  by  a  natural  &  necessary  Resultance 
the  Collegiate  School  being  settled  regularly  at  N  Haven,  & 
the  Education  of  the  Students  there  also  determined  &  pro- 
Added  for  that  the  Same  place  is  at  the  Same  time  appointed 
the  Seat  of  the  Collation  of  Collegiate  honours,  yet  if  there  be 


102  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

indeed  need  of  a  more  Explicite  determination  thereof,  I  fully 
consent  and  agree,  that  at  N  Haven  where  the  s*^-  School  is 
settled  &  there  only  Collegiate  preferments  on  well-meriting 
Students  be  publickly  pronounced  &  I  agree  to  a  full  meeting 
there  on  the  time  above  notifyed  appearing  to  answer  the 
Occasions  of  s*^-  School. 

Signed  in  Stamford  July  18*^-  1717  per  me 

Jno-  Davenport. 


LIX.    Letter  of  Samuel  Andrew 

July  23,  1717 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

As  the  contents  show^,  this  was  addressed  by  the  Rector 
to  Tutor  Samuel  Johnson,  of  the  class  of  1714,  at  New 
Haven.  Joseph  Noyes,  of  the  class  of  1709,  son  of  the 
Rev.  James  Noyes,  the  Senior  Trustee,  had  been  ordained 
pastor  of  the  church  in  New  Haven  in  July,  1716. 

Worthy  S^- 

Having  received  two  Letters  from  yourselfe  about  your 
Classe's  takeing  their  second  degree  this  Commencement,  I 
could  not  speedily  answer  to  the  first,  whether  there  would  be 
any  such  time,  or  when  or  where  it  would  be,  if  there  was 
any  such  thing;  as  to  the  other  inquiry,  whether  it  would  be 
expedient  for  any  of  yourselves  to  seek  a  second  degree  at 
such  a  time,  it  was  not  meet  for  me  to  direct  in  that  matter; 
your  own  inclination  to  it  must  guide  and  direct  you ;  the  place 
where  the  Commencement  may  be,  can  be  no  discouragement 
to  some,  and  I  know  not  why  it  should  be  to  any,  seeing  New 
Haven  cant  be  Judged  inferior  to  Saybrook,  unless  because 
the  Last's  being  the  birth  place  of  some  should  give  it  the 
preheminence  in  their  Judgment;  but  it  seemed  most  prob- 
able to  me,  that  my  possible  concernment  in  the  matter  might 
be  the  greatest  discouragement  together  with  the  unsettled 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  103 

state  of  the  school,  and  the  great  opposition  against  New 
Haven;  as  to  myself e,  I  have  Laboured  with  the  Trustees, 
that  a  more  sutable  person  might  be  improved  to  give  degrees, 
not  being  ambitious  either  of  the  Honour  or  advantage,  and 
should  have  absolutely  refused,  if  it  had  not  been  such  a  time ; 
wherein  differences  among  ourselves  might  have  blasted  our 
present  design;  'tis  something  difficult  for  me  to  offer  Ques- 
tions, which  have  not  been  formerly  disputed,  but  I  shall  offer 
the  inclosed  to  yourselves,  from  which  you  may  choose  such 
as  are  best  pleasing,  which  have  not  been  Lately  debated 
according  to  the  best  of  your  remembrance ;  for  my  memory 
is  too  brittle  to  keep  Long  in  mind  things  of  such  a  nature, 
being  concerned  with  greater  matters;  Avith  all  due  regards 
to  the  Rev'd  M^-  Noyes  and  yourself e,  praying  that  the  onely 
wise  God  would  bless  your  Labours  for  the  advancement  of 
religion  and  Learning  among  the  students  in  the  Collegiate 
school  at  New  Haven,  I  am.  Worthy  S^- 

Your  very  humble  servant 

Samuel  Andrew 

Milford,  July  23,  1717. 


LX.    Pkoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  11-13,  1717 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

At  a  Meeting  of  y®  Trustees  of  y^  Collegiate  School  at  New 
haven.  Sept-  nth  1717 


The  Rev^d- 
Present 


James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 
Stephen  Buckingham. 


104  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

The  Rev^-  James  Noyes  was  Chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting.    Samuel  Russel  was  chosen  Scribe. 

Agreed  &  Voted  that  on  this  our  Reccord  appear  that  y^  Rev^ 
M^  Ruggles  of  Guilford,  hath  been  realy  &  actually  associated 
to  the  Collegiate  Trustees  for  divers  yeares  past  within  which 
time  he  hath,  diligently,  industriously  and  to  y^  advantage 
of  y®  School,  together  w*^  other  Trustees  attended,  almost 
every  of  their  Meetings,  w^^out  y^  Least  dissatisfaction  de- 
clared, or  that  might  be  suspected  concerning  any  of  the 
Trustees  which  did  meet  at  any  of  s*^-  Meetings,  &  that  we 
have  so  accounted  constantly  concerning  s^-  M^  Ruggles  to 
have  been  an  associated  Trustee,  most  of  us  for  divers  years 
afores'i-,  &  y^  rest  of  us,  on  such  time  or  times,  as  we  have 
attended  such  meetings,  &  that  we  all  account  him  a  worthy 
Trustee  &  Associate,  Wee  signify  by  the  Subscription  of  our 
hands. 

Sept.  12th  1717. 

James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Stephen   Buckingham 

Agreed  &  Ordered  that  w*  Bills  of  debt  M^  Caner  shal  bring 
Signed,  or  allowed  by  M^  Andrew,  or  M^"  Russel,  the  Treas- 
urer of  y^  Collegiate  School  M^  John  Prout,  shal  &  is  hereby 
impowered  to  make  payment  of.    Voted  in  y^  Affirmative. 

Agreed  &  voted  y*-  y^  Rev*^  M^  Andrew,  w^^  any  two  of  y® 
Trustees  Signing  a  warning  for  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees, 
w^^  the  time  &  place,  shal  be  Sufficient  warning  for  such 
Meetings.    Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

Agreed  &  Voted  that  all  &  every  the  Acts  votes  &  conclusions 
passed  &  Consented  to  on  the  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  holden 
at  Newhaven  Apr^-  5*^  1717.  having  been  duely  read,  &  con- 
sidered at  this  present  Meeting  are  all  &  every  of  them 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  105 

approved  &  confirmed  by  the  full  consent  of  the  Trustees  sub- 
scribing this  13tb  of  Sept- 1717. 

James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 

Ordered  that  y®  Treasurer  pay  to  M^  Sam^-  Johnson  Tutor  y« 
Sum  of  twenty  and  three  pounds,  being  y^  whole  due  to  him 
for  his  service  y®  year  past. 

Agreed  &  voted  that  the  Rector  of  y®  Collegiate  School  at 
Newhaven  with  any  two  of  y^  Trustees  have  power  to  Supply 
ye  School  with  a  Tutor,  as  need  doth,  or  shal  require,  until  y« 
next  meeting  of  y^  Trustees.  Voted  in  y«  affirmative. 
Agreed  &  voted,  that  any  Summ  or  Summs  of  Money  unto 
three  hundred  pounds  be  drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the 
Collegiate  School  at  Such  time  or  times  as  may  be  judged 
necessary  for  the  defraying  of  the  Charges  of  the  Collegiate 
house  &  a  Note  from  the  hand  of  the  Reverend  M^  Andrew 
or  M^  Russel  to  the  Collegiate  Treasurer  Shalbe  a  Sufficient 
warrant  for  s<i-  Treasurer  to  deliver  out  any  s^-  Summ  or 
Summs  as  aforesaid  to  M^-  Mather  Cap*-  AVhiting  &  M'"  Pun- 
derson  Committee  upon  their  demand.  Voted  in  the  affirma- 
tive 

All  the  Acts,  Orders  &  Resolutions  of  this  Meeting  are  by 

full  order  of  y«  Trustees  Attested. 

per  me  Samuel  Russel  Scribe. 


106  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 


LXI.    Memokanda  in  Behalf  of  the  Eetention  of 
THE  School  at  Saybrook 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

These  notes,  in  the  handwriting  of  Justice  Daniel 
Buckingham,  of  Saybrook,  are  found  on  the  back  of  his 
copy  of  an  extract  from  the  Records  of  the  Trustees  for 
April  3,  1716,  made  on  October  3,  1717,  and  given  above. 

Amongst  the  Matters  of  fact  Relating  to  y^  Establishment 
of  y^  Collegiate  School  at  Say-brook  It  may  well  Be  Con- 
sidered: y*-  y^  Settlement  there  was  made  in  a  way  of  Cove- 
nant with  y^  donors  &  People  There  And  that  it  is  so,  please 
to  see  M^-  Lynde  his  Large  Donation  By  deed  Conditioned 
that  y«  School  Be  and  Remain  at  all  Times  to  be  at  Say- 
brook :  and  as  to  perticuler  personal  donations  Please  to  Juge 
of  Major  Jn^-  Clarke  &  Justice  Dan^-  Buckingham.  These 
donations  were  Recieved  By  y^  Trustees  in  manner  &  forme 
and  Improved  to  y^  Schools  use.  Now  a  Covenant  is  a  mutual 
agreement  between  certain  Partyes  upon  Conditions  and 
These  conditions  Being  Performed  By  one  and  accepted  by 
y^  other :  thence  y®  party  so  Recieving  is  Become  Bound  and 
Cannot  be  discharged  By  any  act  of  his  own  But  is  a  covenant 
Breaker  without  fulfillment  on  his  part  or  Release  on  y^ 
others  part  and  this  is  y^  very  Case  which  still  Renders  it 
more  Impracticable  to  Remoue  y®  School  from  Say-brook 

Principal  money  with  Interest  Being  Returned  Don'*-  fulfill 
y^  Covenant  for  it  don'*-  answer  The  End  and  designe  of  the 
donation  and  so  don't  Discharge  and  acquit  from  wrong  and 
Injustice. 

Some  men  By  Their  Last  wills  made  Bequests  to  y^  School 
Leaning  the  fulfillment  to  some  one  of  their  sonns  making 
his  part  of  y^  Estate  Proportionably  Bigger,  in  which  Case  y® 
Refunding  of  such  donation  cannot  Be  made  to  y®  Equal 
Benefit  of  y^  Coheirs  But  a  wrong  is  done  irreparable. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY        ,  107 

Observe  y*-  y^  within  acts  are  done  by  Eight  of  y^  trustees, 
whose  vnanimous  and  Joynt  act  Implyes  their  Confirmation 
of  y®  act  already  shewen  Relating  to  the  Settlement. 

Observe  that  M'"-  James  Noyes  is  allowed  to  act  Seperately 
To  Remoue  y®  School  to  Newhaven  But  M^-  Sam^-  Mather 
Rather  than  he  Shall  act  Seperately  is  Excluded  acting  at  all. 


LXII.    An  Opinion  on  the  Removal  of  the  School 

FROM  SaYBROOK 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

In  the  handwriting  of  Justice  Daniel  Buckingham; 
probably  written  to  influence  the  General  Assembly  in 
October,  1717. 

To  what  has  bin  offered  touching  y®  Remoual  of  the  Colle- 
giate School  from  Say-brook  to  N:  Haven  I  desire  vnder 
Correction  humbly  to  add  my  opinion :  which  is  Breifely  con- 
tained in  this  one  proposition  viz  y*-  y®  s*^-  School  having  bin 
once  Regularly  setled  at  Say-brook,  &  consonant  to  y®  Sacred 
Ends  thereof  Became  a  Locall  fixed  Thing  and  not  to  be 
Remoued  thence  By  any  act  of  y®  Trustees  Justifyable  by 
their  Charter. 

That  y®  s*^-  School  has  Bin  fixed  at  Say-brook:  See  diverse 
acts  viz  an  act  made  at  Say-brook  Nouember  11 :  1701,  also  an 
act  made  at  Kennelworth  Sep*-  30  1702  and  an  act  made  at 
Say-brook  Sep*-  U^-  1715 : 

That  y®  Settlement  so  made  was  Regular  see  the  Majority 
of  ye  Trustees  signing  the  acts. 

that  y®  Settlement  so  made,  was  consonant  to  its  sacred 
Ends  See  y«  opinion  of  y^  Trustees  in  y^  act  of  Nouemljer 
11 :  1701  In  which  act  there  was  a  proviso  for  other  considera- 
tions y*-  Possibly  might  occur  and  offer  themselves,  and  with- 
out which  y«  act  was  Positive  and  absolute.  Obserue  y*-  no 
other  Considerations  did  offer  them  Selves  and  for  this  see 
y®  two  other  acts  so  y*-  y®  act  Becomes  absolute. 

Now  y*-  y«  School  so  setled  Becomes  Local  and  not  moue- 


108  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

able  By  y*  Trustees  is  Euident  if  we  consider  y*-  this  Being 
done  the  Sacred  End  and  designe  is  obtained  so  far  as  it 
Relates  to  Settlement :  and  nothing  now  Remains  to  Be  done 
But  to  maintaine  &c  And  so  far  as  y^  End  and  designe  is 
obtained  the  trustees  Comision  is  fulfilled,  their  worke  done 
&  their  Power  ended.  Secondly  please  to  consider  y*-  y^ 
Power  of  y®  Trustees  is  Restrained  to  doing:  and  not  In- 
larged  and  Extended  to,  vndoing  and  destroying  what  is  once 
well  done:  But  what  is  it  to  moue  from  place  to  place  a 
School  once  well  setled  But  to  pull  down  and  destroy  as  well 
as  to  build  &  to  plant,  further,  Please  to  consider  y*-  if  y® 
Trustees  by  Charter  may  once  move  y^  Collegiate  School 
Because  they  think  fit  Being  once  Setled  as  afores"^-,  then 
doubtless  they  may  proceed  to  do  it  as  many  Times,  and  to 
as  many  places  as  they  shall  think  fit.  Which  if  we  suppose, 
it  then  follows  Either  first  that  they  have  power  to  command 
ye  Colonyes  Purse  for  its  Carrying  on  and  Support,  Which  is 
contrary  to  common  Justice  and  Repugnant  to  our  common 
Charter  Right  and  priveledge.  So  y*-  this  assembly  could  not 
Grant  them  such  power,  for  all  the  acts  of  this  Court  y*-  are 
not  calculated  for  ye  common  Good  of  y^  Colony  But  contrary 
thervnto  are  void  in  them  selves  and  ought  to  Be  declared  so. 
or  Secondly  it  follows  that  the  Colony  Taking  Exception 
against  such  vnreasonable  Removal  may  withhold  any  further 
publick  donations,  and  Then  what  is  Like  to  Become  of  the 
School.  Surely  Tis  Like  to  Languish  to  death  vnless  thirdly 
we  suppose  that  vpon  such  Removals  from  Time  to  Time  it 
shall  be  supported  By  private  donations  &  contributions, 
which  is  as  much  as  to  say  y*-  y^  Trustees  By  Charter  have 
Power  to  setle  a  Collegiate  School  according  to  y®  sacred 
Ends  thereof  and  therin  to  Improue  Both  Publick  and  private 
donations,  and  this  Being  well  done  to  y®  answering  y^ 
Expectations  of  all  both  Publick  and  private,  and  then  may 
also  at  their  pleasure  set  same  to  sale  vnto  such  persons  or 
places  as  will  give  most  money  for  it.  All  which  is  so  far 
Repugnant  to  Sence,  Reason,  Common  Right  and  Justice  y*- 
if  it  were  in  their  Charter  it  were  void. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  109 


LXIII.    Orders  of  the  Two  Houses  of  the  Connecti- 
cut General  Assembly,  Respecting  a  Hearing 
OF  THE  Trustees 

October  12-15,  1717 

[From  the  original  Journals,  in  the  Secretary  of  State's 
office,  and  other  original  papers  in  the  State  Library] 

It  should  be  stated  that  it  is  difficult  to  determine  the 
exact  order  of  all  the  documents  presented  at  this  session 
of  the  General  Court,  though  many  can  be  dated  from 
the  Journals. 

Whereas  Sev^^^-  of  the  Rev^<^-  Trustees  for  the  Collegiate 
School  Lately  set  up  in  this  Government  at  Saybrook  Did, 
at  the  Sessions  of  This  Court  on  the  9^^-  of  May  1717,  Inform 
this  House  that  they  Were  Dissatisfied  w*^-  y^  Conduct  of 
the  other  Trustees  in  Appointing  &  in  such  Manner  Ordering 
the  s^-  Collegiate  School  to  be  Removed  from  Saybrook  to 
N.  Haven,  it  being  Inconsistent  as  they  alledge  ^\ith  their 
Charter,  &  mth  their  Just  &  Lawfull  Agreements,  as  Well 
as  with  the  PubUck  Interest,  &  Peace  of  this  Government,  as 
by  their  Memoriall  does  at  large  appear,  and  Wheras  some 
Generall  Resolves  were  hereupon  made,  which  this  House  did 
then  Justly  Expect  should  be  taken  notice  of  by  y^  s<i-  Trus- 
tees, at  Least  so  far,  as  not  to  have  acted  or  ordered  any  thing 
In  Opposition  thereto  without  asking  the  Farther  allowance 
or  advice  of  this  assembly,  in  a  Matter  of  so  great  &  Gen'"^^- 
Interest  &  Consequence,  Which  s^-  Trustees  have  not  Thought 
fit  to  Do, — Now  the  better  to  Understand  what  is  farther  to 
be  Done  in  this  Important  Affair  This  House  does  Resolve  & 
Order  That  the  Trustees  be  Desired  &  directed  to  Come  as 
Speedily  as  may  be  to  This  Assembly  to  Shew  the  Reasons  of 
Their  Late  Proceedings  and  Particularly  Why  they  or  any  of 
them  Have  Ordered  a  Collegiate  School  to  be  Built  at  New 


110  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

Haven,    without    the    Allowance    or    Knowledge    of    This 
Assembly. 

Passed  In  the  Lower  House 

Test  Elisha  Williams  Clerk. 

Dissented  to  in  the  Upp^-  House 
Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 

The  following  substitute,  with  an  accompanying  Resolve, 
was  passed  by  the  Upper  House : — 

This  House  Observing  that  a  considerable  dissatisfaction 
has  been  Taken  at  the  carrying  on  of  the  Collegiate  School  at 
New  Haven  and  being  desirous  that  all  Endeavours  for  the 
Advancement  of  Learning  might  if  possible  be  Universally 
acceptable  Do  therefore  Order  the  Secry  to  write  to  the 
Severall  Trustees  of  the  School  desiring  them  or  as  many  of 
them  as  can  with  any  Conveniency  to  meet  at  the  s'l-  Town  as 
soon  as  may  be  during  our  present  Session,  that  from  their 
Information  concerning  their  proceedings  in  the  said  affair 
Wee  may  the  better  contribute  to  the  procuring  of  that 
Generall  Satisfaction  Relating  to  so  good  a  work  which  is  so 
much  to  be  desired. 

Ordered  that  the  Charge  of  their  Travelling  hither  Sub- 
sistance  here  and  Return  home  be  defrayed  out  of  the  publick 
Treasury. 

Resolved  that  Majo^-  Burr  and  Majo^-  Talcott  carry  a  Mes- 
sage from  the  board  to  the  Lower  House  with  our  proceeding 
upon  this  Bill  Relating  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate 
School  and  shew  them  the  ground  Wee  have  gone  upon  in 
disenting  from  that  Bill,  and  what  Wee  have  passed  in  Stead 
thereof  whereby  Wee  hope  Wee  may  in  the  most  peaceable 
manner  obtain  that  Opertunity  with  the  Trustees  which  may 
be  of  Use  to  us  in  composing  the  disatisfaction  that  has  been 
taken  at  their  proceedings. 

This  was  accepted  on  the  same  day  by  the  Lower  House. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  111 


LXIV.    Message  of  the  Upper  House  of  the  Connecti- 
cut General  Assembly  to  the  Trustees 

October  22,  1717 

[From  the  original,  in  the  State  Library] 

This  message  was  sent  back  by  the  Lower  House,  with  a 
substitute,  as  api^ended,  from  the  Journal  of  that  House 
for  the  same  day. 

Majo^-  Burr  and  Majo'"-  Talcott  are  appointed  by  this  Board 
to  Wait  upon  the  Revern*^-  Ministers  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate 
School  assembled  in  this  Town  with  the  following  Message. 

That  this  House  taking  Notice  of  great  Exceptions  alledged 
by  severall  persons,  against  their  proceedings,  in  the  mannage- 
ment  of  the  said  School  (pursuant  to  what  they  had  under- 
taken by  the  grant  of  the  Assembly)  And  particularly  against 
their  fixing  the  School  at  New  Haven  (By  reason  of  which 
Exceptions  many  disorders  have  hapned,  and  great  Conten- 
tions have  been  Occasioned)  thought  it  proper. 

That  an  Account  of  their  proceedings  in  the  said  Under- 
taking should  be  Communicated  to  us,  By  which  means  Wee 
might  be  better  able  to  Resolve  on  Sutable  Methods,  to  Still 
the  disquietments,  that  have  arisen,  and  prevent  such  for  the 
future. 

It  is  therefore  hereby  Recommended  to  the  s<^-  Trustees, 
that  they  Lay  before  us  as  Soon  as  may  be  a  representation  of 
their  proceedings  in  Carrying  on  the  Affairs  of  the  said 
School,  and  Erecting  an  House  for  it,  in  the  s^-  Town,  That 
from  a  View  thereof  Wee  may  give  Such  publick  directions, 
as  shall  be  found  Needfull,  and  Take  such  Measures,  as  may 
be  Necessary,  for  the  preservation  of  Order  and  Peace. 

Passed  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez.  Wyllys  Secry- 


112  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

A  Bill  sent  to  y^  Upper  House,  appointing  Maj^-  Bur,  & 
Maj^-  Talcot,  to  Acquaint  y^  Rev'"*^-  Trustees  of  y^  Collegiate 
School  yt  ys-  Assembly  having  Taken  Notice  of  y^  Difficulties 
&c.  w*^-  wc^-  y®  Affair  of  y^  Collegiate  School  is  attended, — 
To  recommend  to  y®  s<i-  Trustees  y*  yy  as  soon  as  may  be  Lay 
before  this  Assembly  a  representation  of  y^''-  proceedings  in 
carrying  on  y^  Affairs  of  y^  s<i-  School,  &  Erecting  an  House 
for  it  in  N.  Haven,  &c. 


LXV.    Memoeial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  General 

Assembly 

October  22,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library  compared  with 
the  first  draft,  by  the  Senior  Trustee,  James  Noyes,  in 
the  University  Archives] 

A  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School  in 
Newhauen  in  Connecticot  in  New  England,  relating  to  theire 
vndertaking  &  proceeding  therein. 

We  the  vnderwritten  Trustees  of  the  s<^-  School,  not  a  litle 
affected  to  heare  that  any  dissatisfaction  hath  beene  taken 
at  our  Proceedings  in  erecting  the  same,  doe  in  this  manner 
make  them  publick,  in  hopes  that  our  so  doing  will  give 
satisfaction  to  all  that  wish  well  to  y*-  good  work  vnder  our 
Care. 

Persuant  to  y^  Charter  or  Grant  whereby  we  were  encour- 
aged &  fully  &  compleatly  impowred  to  vndertake  the  erecting 
of  a  Collegiate  School  in  some  Conuenient  place  or  places,  as 
to  us  should  seem  meet,  in  the  s<i-  Collonie,  &  soone  after  we 
had  obteined  that  grant,  tho  we  had  not  a  stock  sufficient  for 
building  a  suitable  house  for  the  Students,  Yet  we  had  con- 
sideration of  a  suitable  place  for  it,  &  agreed  it  would  be  best 
to  erect  it  in  some  town  on  the  sea  side,  not  further  eastward 
then  Saybrook,  or  Westward  then  Newhaven,^  &  resolued  that 

1  In  the  original  draft  this  reads :  '  *  not  further  east  then  Connecticut  riuer, 
or  west  then  Stratford  Eiuer. " 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  113 

such  students  as  offered  themselves,  should  be  receiued  at 
Killingworth,  vnder  the  care  of  the  late  Reur*^-  M''-  Person, 
whom  we  appointed  Rect""-  w^^i  was  accordingly  attended. 

Some  years  after,  the  School  was  removed  to  Saybrook, 
where  endeavours  were  used  to  erect  an  house  for  the  s^- 
School,  but  we  were  obliged  to  desist  for  want  of  sufficient 
stock  for  such  an  vndertaking. 

While  the  School  was  in  these  circumstances  at  Saybrook, 
an  vnhappie  discention  in  the  School  occasioned  the  reraoue 
of  several  Students,  notw^^standing  all  our  endeauours  to 
keepe  them  there.  We  hoped  to  redress  this  disorder  by 
building  an  house  for  the  students  there,  being  encouraged  to 
it  by  the  generous  Contributions  of  the  Grouernment  of  the  s<^- 
Collony  &  of  some  particular  persons  w*'^-  w^'^-  we  concluded 
ourselues  able  to  make  a  beginning  in  the  work  &  accordingly 
resolued  vpon  it. 

But  soone  after  we  met  with  unexpected  opposition  against 
settling  the  s^-  School  at  Saybrook,  w^'^  continuing  (after  we 
had  vsed  many  endeauours  to  remoue  it)  we  considered  the 
state  of  that  affaire,  &  at  length  (according  to  our  discretion, 
the  Rule  of  our  doings  mentioned  in  our  Charter  three  several 
times)  we  pitched  upon  Newhaven  (w*^^-  is  within  the  compass 
of  the  places  agreed  on  at  the  first)  to  build  an  house  in  for 
the  s^-  School,  where  we  haue  raised  one  conuenient  &  capable 
of  receiuing  40  Schollars,  &  hope  to  haue  the  same  ready  to 
receiue  the  students  in  a  short  time. 

We  were  induced  to  fix  upon  Newhauen  for  the  place  of  the 
School,  from  the  conueniency  of  its  situation,  agreableness  of 
the  air  &  soile,  the  probability  of  prouiding  w*-  will  be  neces- 
sary for  the  subsistence  of  the  Schollars  as  cheap  or  cheaper 
then  at  other  places,  together  with  many  other  weighty  con- 
siderations, to  us  satisfying,  wherunto  may  be  added  the 
largest  sums  by  farr  subscribed  by  particular  Gentlemen  for 
building  an  house  for  the  School  in  the  s*^  Town,  w^^-  are 
appropriated  by  the  doaners  to  that  place,  &  without  w*'^- 
(notwithstanding  the  sum  granted  by  the  Collony)  we  could 
not  go  through  with  so  chargeable  a  work. 


114  -       DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY  [1717 

We  trust  that  this  brief e  account  of  our  proceedings  (so 
well  known  to  seueral  Gentlemen  in  the  s*^-  Collony)  will  be 
thought  satisfactorie  by  all  impartial  persons;  &  not  only 
remoue  w*-  offences  may  haue  been  taken  at  them,  but  invite 
the  well-minded  (after  many  examples  w<^^-  we  must  always 
mention  w*^-  Gratitude  &  hon^)  to  favour  this  Infant  Nurserie 
of  Learning,  w*'^-  by  the  blessing  of  heauen  hath  not  proved 
vnfruitfull. 

From  our  particular  Acquaintance  with  the  passages  afore 
mentioned,  or  from  Satisfaction  received  from  Records,  or 
other  good  Information  of  some  of  our  selues,  we  have  suf- 
fixed our  names,  Dated  in  Newhaven  Octob^-  22^- 1717. 


Yo^-  most  Dutiful  &  most  Obedient  Servants 

James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  E-ussel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenpoet 
Thomas  Eugoles 


Trustees  & 
Associates 
of  the  said 
Collegiate 
School 


LXVI.    Observations  and  Remarks  by  Timothy  Wood- 
bridge  AND  Thomas  Buckingham  on  the  Acts 
of  the  Trustees  in  October,  1716,  and 
April  and  September,  1717 

Submitted  to  the  Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October  22-23,  1717 

[From  the  original,  in  the  State  Library] 

Some  Observations  on  y^  following  Acts  &  Eesolves  Shew- 
ing y^  invalidity  of  them. 

The  action  of  the  Meeting  of  October  17,  1716,  on 
Question  3,  settling  the  School  at  New  Haven,  is  quoted. 
Then  follows : 


1717] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


115 


Observation.  The  Reasons  on  w<^^-  we  deny  this  act  to  be 
legal  &  valid  are,  that  when  it  was  passed  there  were  at  least 
nine  Trustees  in  Being  (as  may  appear  by  y''-  names  here 
mentioned)  and  but  four  of  them  concurring  in  it  at  that  time, 
M^-  Ruggles  being  excluded  out  of  that  number  by  not  being 
legally  chosen.  As  to  M''-  James  Noyes  's  consent  to  that  act 
at  such  a  distance  and  so  long  after  we  conceive  it  can  be  no 
confirmation  of  it. 

The  Trustees  concurring  in  this  act 
M''-  Samuel  Andrew 
M^-  Samuel  Russel 
M^-  Joseph  Webb 
M^-  John  Davenport. 


The  Rev^- 


Trustees  not  concurring 
Moses  Noyes 
Samuel  Mather 
Timothy  Woodbridge 
The.  Buckingham 


The  Rev<i-  M^s- 


The  action  of  April  5,  1717,  on  Question  No.  3,  re- 
affirming the  action  above  named,  is  quoted.  Then 
follows : 

Remark)  As  to  this  Act  it  may  be  observed  y*  excepting  y« 
person  above  excepted,  there  is  only  one  half  of  y®  Trustees 
before  mentioned  with  y^  new  one  added  in  October  last  Con- 
senting to  it. 

Trustees  not  Consenting 
The  Rev^- 

Moses  Noyes 
Samuel  Mather 
Timothy  Woodbridge 
Tho.  Buckingham 
Stephen  Buckingham 


Trustees  Consenting 
The  Rev^-  M^^- 

James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 


The  action  of  September  11,  1717,  validating  the  elec- 
tion of  the  Eev.  Thomas  Ruggles,  is  quoted.  Then 
follows : 


116  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

Observation.  With  respect  to  this  Act  it  may  be  observed 
that  there  is  no  new  act  by  which  M^"  Ruggles  is  Chosen  and 
associated  to  y®  Trustees  but  only  a  declaration  of  their  judg- 
ment concerning  him  in  there  own  Case.  It  may  further  be 
observed  that  the  'Rev^  M^  Adams  of  Newlondon  who  was 
nominated  &  Chosen  by  a  majority  of  ye  Trustees  y'^-  present 
is  denyed  even  by  themselves  to  be  one  of  their  number  merely 
on  y^  account  of  his  not  being  fourty  years  old  (as  the  Charter 
directs)  at  y^  time  of  his  Election,  so  far  as  we  know. 

The  action  of  September  13,  1717,  confirming  the  Acts 
of  April  5,  is  quoted.    Then  follows : 

Remark)  The  Same  Observation  may  be  here  made  as  above 
viz.  y*  y^-  is  but  a  moity  of  y®  Trustees  as  before  named  Con- 
curring in  this  Act. 

It  is  a  Question  with  us  Whether  a  person  Regularly  Chosen 
a  Trustee  Ceaseth  to  be  one  without  an  act  of  his  own  and  y® 
Trustees  for  his  Removal,  and  Whether  there  be  any  provi- 
sion made  in  the  graunt  of  y^  Court  for  such  an  Act,  which 
with  all  above  written  is  humbly  submitted  to  y®  Judgment  of 
this  honourable  Assembly  By 

N.  Haven  Octob^  23  1717  Yo^-  humble  Servants 

t  :  woodbridge 
Tho.  Buckingham 

I  Moses  Noyes  desire  to  suspend  my  opinion  concerning 
some  things  in  these  Answers  particularly  concerning  the 
reverend  M^  Rugles,  yet  if  opportunity  be  given  I  desire  to 
offer  some  Plea  in  behalf  of  Saybrook. 


LXVII.    Resolves  of  the  Upper  House  of  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October  23-24,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

Upon   Consideration  of  the  Memoriall  presented  to  this 
board  by  the  Rever^*^-  M^"-  Woodbridge  &  M^-  Thomas  Buck- 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  117 

ingliam  Containing  Severall  Coppies  of  Records  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School,  with 
remarks  upon  them,  whereby  Exception  is  Taken  to  Severall 
Votes,  passed  by  the  said  Trustees  (by  which  they  have  fixed 
the  s<i-  School  at  New  Haven)  as  not  being  passed  by  the 
Majority  of  the  said  Trustees,  and  so  not  according  to  the 
power  by  Charter  Lodged  in  the  s*^-  Trustees, 

This  House  desirous  to  Compose  the  differences  that  have 
arison  upon  those  proceedings  among  the  Trustees  them- 
selves, Have  debated  the  Questions  Controverted  as  Laid 
before  us,  by  those  remarks  which  are  three;  and  resolved 
them  as  follows : 

1.  Wether  the  Trustees  of  the  s<i-  School  or  the  Majo'' 
part  of  them,  are  in  Order  to  their  passing  an  Act  in  form 
according  to  Charter  obliged  to  Convene.  Grounded  upon 
the  remark  that  the  Rever^'i-  M^-  James  Noyes  who  Concurr'^- 
to  an  Act  passed  by  Severall  of  the  Trustees  tho  he  was  not 
present  with  them  (by  which  that  act  had  the  Concurrence 
of  the  Majority,  and  So  is  Supposed  not  to  act  Regularly),  or 
according  to  the  Charter,  granted  to  the  s<^-  Trustees. 

Resolved  in  the  Negative. 

2.  Whether  one  of  the  Trustees  by  the  providence  of  God 
deprived  of  the  Exercise  of  Reason,  and  so  Continuing,  ought 
to  be  Esteemed  as  one  Capable  of  Consenting  to,  or  dissenting 
from  any  of  the  acts  of  the  Trustees,  so  that  he  may  be 
Esteemed  as  acting  for  or  against  any  resolve,  or  doing,  of 
the  s<J-  Trustees.  Grounded  on  the  Case  of  the  Rever^^-  M^"- 
Sam^i-  Mather. 

Resolved  in  the  Negative. 

3.  Whether  a  person  altho  Chosen  before  the  age  of  40 
Years  Yet  after  he  was  of  the  age  of  40  Years  Admitted  & 
Associated  by  the  s<i-  Trustees  to  Joya  with  them,  in  their 
actings  as  a  Trustee,  Ought  to  be  Reckoned  and  Esteemed 
as  a  Trustee  after  he  has  been  so  associated,  mthout  any 
other  formall  choice.  Grounded  on  the  Case  of  the  Rever'^'^- 
M''-  Ruggles. 

Resolved  in  the  Affirmative. 


118  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

It  being  Proposed 

That  the  above  Resolves  be  sent  to  the  Lower  House  and 
that  if  the  Lower  House  have  no  further  Occasion  to  Speak 
with  the  Rever^^-  Trustees,  It  be  Signifyed  to  them  that  the 
Court  does  not  desire  to  Retain  them  any  Longer  from  their 
respective  Charges. 

Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 


LXVIII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  John  Winthrop 

October  24, 1717 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Collections  of  the  Massachusetts 
Historical  Society,  6th  series,  vol.  5,  p.  351,  Boston, 
1892] 

The  author  was  graduated  at  Harvard  in  1700,  resided 
in  New  London,  Connecticut,  and  was  a  Fellow  of  the 
Royal  Society  in  London.  This  letter  was  addressed  to 
his  father.  Judge  and  Major-General  Wait  Winthrop, 
of  Boston. 

The  writer's  uncle,  John  Winthrop  the  younger.  Gov- 
ernor of  Connecticut,  who  died  in  1707,  had  left  by  his 
will,  dated  March,  1702,  £100  to  the  Collegiate  School  so 
long  as  it  continued  in  Saybrook ;  but  the  estate  was  still 
in  litigation. 

There  is  great  disturbance  in  y^  Collony  about  y® 

Colledge.  The  last  year  M^"-  Stonington  Noyse  was  violent 
for  keeping  of  it  at  Saybrook,  or  elce  he  s^-  they  should  loose 
y®  old  Gov^s.  legacy  to  it;  but  since  his  son  is  settled  in  M^- 
Pierpont's  place  and  house,  he  has,  w^^out  leave  or  ord'*- 
from  the  Assembly  or  Trustees,  moved  it  to  New  Haven,  & 
ordered  a  building  to  be  erected  for  y^  purpose,  w<^^-  is 
almost  finished.  The  Assembly  disapprove  of  his  doings,  and 
have  sent  for  him  to  answer  for  himselfe,  wither  he  is  gon. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  119 


LXIX.    Message  from  the  Upper  House  of  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October  25,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

Ordered  that  the  following  Message  be  sent  from  the  board 
of  the  Upp'"-  House  to  y^  Lower  House 
M^-  Speak^-  &  Gentlemen  Deputies 

Att  your  desire  this  Board  concurr<^-  to  send  for  the  Rever^<5- 
Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School  and  desire  of  them  an 
Account  of  their  proceedings  with  which  Some  have  been 
disatisfyed. 

Wee  design^-  that  the  Message  to  call  the  Trustees  hither, 
might  have  gone  from  this  Board  only,  but  when  You  desired 
wee  might  act  in  Concert,  Wee  agreed  and  the  Message  was 
sent  Accordingly. 

As  soon  as  Wee  had  their  Memoriall  Laid  before  us,  Wee 
Immediately  Considered  it,  and  Transmitted  it  to  You  for 
Consideration.  And  Wee  no  sooner  received  from  the 
Rever^<i-  M^-  Woodbridge  &  M^-  Buckingham  Some  Exceptions 
to  some  proceedings  of  the  Trustees,  but  having  Considered 
them,  Wee  sent  them  down  by  the  Subscribers  themselves  to 
Your  House.  Having  debated  what  Seem*'-  most  Materiall  in 
those  Exceptions,  and  come  to  Resolves  thereon.  Wee  Trans- 
mitted them  to  Your  House,  with  a  desire  to  be  Informed, 
whether  You  w^ould  Expect  any  thing  further  from  the 
Trustees,  or  otherwise  Wee  might  signify  to  them  that  they 
might  return  to  their  respective  Churches. 

Thus  Wee  have  gone  on  in  Concert  with  You  according  to 
Your  desire  and  are  surprized  to  hear  that  before  any  return 
made  to  this  board  or  Signification  whether  You  concurr  with 
us  in  our  resolves  or  not  and  without  regard  had  to  thus 
Concerting  together  which  You  desired,  You  have  admitted 
pleadings  and  arguments  upon  the  Subject  of  the  Memoriall 
Laid  before  us,  without  allowing  us  the  Opportunity  of  being 


120  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

with  You,  therein,  in  Concerting  that  affair  with  us  pursuant 
to  Your  own  desire,  and  y®  agreement  of  both  Houses. 

Wee  are  Truely  desirous  to  Unite  our  Endeavours  with 
You  in  Compassing  the  differences  that  are  so  pernicious  to 
us,  and  do  in  a  strange  manner,  distroy  the  peace  of  our  Land, 
and  after  Wee  had  agreed  to  act  in  Concert  therein,  whatever 
may  be  Suggested  to  the  prejudice  of  that  agreement  (untill 
the  Houses  have  by  their  own  Consent  altered  it)  must  needs 
be  of  Very  Evill  Consequence. 

Wee  desire  therefore  to  know  whether  You  are  yet  agreed 
that  wee  should  have  a  Joynt  Consideration,  of  what  Wee 
sent  to  the  Trustees,  and  are  ready  to  act  in  Conjunction  with 
you. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 


LXX.    Order  of  the  Connecticut  General  Assembly 
FOR  A  Hearing  of  the  Trustees 

October  25,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

Ordered  [by  the  Upper  House]  That  the  following  Message 
be  sent  the  Low-  House 

M^-  Speak^-  &  Gentlemen  of  the  Low^-  House 

The  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School,  who  at  our  desire 
have  Laid  before  the  assembly  a  Memoriall  of  their  proceed- 
ings therein.  Have  attended  this  Board,  and  desired,  that  they 
may  be  heard  upon  the  Subject  of  their  Memoriall,  before  both 
Houses  of  the  Assembly,  all  Concern*^-  therein  having  Notice 
to  be  present;  The  Question  being  put  whether  they  be  now 
admitted  has  been  resolved  in  the  affirmative,  And  It  is  hereby 
Reported  to  you  for  your  Concurrence. 

Attest  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 

Concurr'd  w*^- in  y6  Lower  House 

Test.  Elisha  Williams  Clerk 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  121 

LXXI.    Answer  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Observations 
AND  Remarks  on  their  Acts  in  1716  and  1717 

October  25,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

This  paper  was  read  to  the  Upper  House  of  the  As- 
sembly on  October  26,  and  transmitted  to  the  Lower 
House. 

The  answer  of  the  underwritten  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate 
School  in  Connecticut  at  NewHaven  unto  the  observations 
and  remarks  given  in  by  the  Rev*^-  M^-  Tim^-  Woodbridge  & 
M^"-  Tho:  Buckingham  unto  the  Generall  Assembly  of  Con- 
necticut now  sitting  in  NewHaven,  to  show  the  invaUdity  of 
several  acts  agreed  upon  &  consented  unto  by  the  more  part 
of  all  the  Trustees  of  s*^-  School  in  being. 

The  Observation  made  on  the  Act  of  October  17,  1716, 
settling  the  School  at  New  Haven,  is  quoted.  Then 
follows : 

Our  Answer  to  the  above  Observation. 

The  Act  excepted  against  must  be  Vahd,  if  M^"-  Ruggles 
be  a  trustee  &  associate,  &  if  M^-  James  Noyes  his  Signing 
the  s^  Act  confirm  the  same,  &  if  M^*-  Samuel  Mather  should 
be  not  a  Trustee.  But  1.  Concerning  M^"-  Ruggles,  it  may  be 
argued  that  he  was  a  Trustee  on  Octob""-  last,  even  in  the 
Account  of  these  Reverend  Trustees  Dissenting,  as  may 
appear  from  their  Memorial  signed  by  their  own  hands  May 
9tb  1717  containing  these  words  in  the  24,  25,  26,  27  lines  ''and 
''the  other  Trustees  of  the  s'i-  School  sent  for,  Six  of  us  mett, 
"the  major  part  of  the  Trustees  then  alive,  &  that  Number 
' '  according  to  o^-  Charter  was  Sufficient  to  determine  any  act 
"proper  to  them."  Now  the  Trustees  then  mett  are  well 
known  to  have  been  the  Rev<^-  M^-  T.  Woodbridg,  M'"-  S. 
Russel,  M'"-  J.  Webb,  M""-  J.  Davenport,  M^"-  Tho.  Buckingham, 
M^-  Th.  Ruggles,  &  these  Names  some  of  us  are  Sure  ^vill  be 


122  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 


found  in  the  Votes  &  agreements  of  the  Meeting  at  Hartford 
May,  1716. 

Upon  it  We  say,  If  M^-  Ruggles  was  indeed  a  Trustee  (as 
the  sf'-  Memorial  must  be  understood  to  say)  on  May  1717, 
we  know  not,  how  the  s*^-  M^-  Ruggles  can  be  Excluded  as  not 
legally  chosen  on  Octob.  1716,  when  M^"-  Ruggles  his  present 
age  is  46  years  &  above  an  half  more. 

2.  Concerning  M^-  J.  Noyes  his  Signing  s<^-  Act,  We  find 
in  the  Copies  of  the  Primitive  Records  in  o''-  hands  the 
Signing  &  Consent  of  a  Trustee  absent  at  the  time  of  y« 
meeting  who  being  after  acquainted  mth  the  doings  of  the 
Trustees,  hath  signed  &  his  Concurrence  entred.  As  Such 
a  signing  in  the  original  or  primitive  records  of  our  meeting 
hath  been  accounted  valid,  so  do  we  also  account  M^-  J. 
Noyes 's  our  last  Octob^-  act  to  be  valid. 

3.  Concerning  the  Bev^-  M^-  S.  Math^-  being  a  trustee.  We 
offer,  that  Since  that  Rev*i-  Gent^-  hath  for  many  years  past 
been  frequently  reported  to  have  been  disabled  in  his  Under- 
standing, not  Capable  of  the  Voice  of  Rational  assent  or 
dissent,  unto  us  that  Rev^i-  Gent^-  hath  not  been  a  Trustee 
during  such  disability  nor  hath  he  appeared  at  any  of  our 
meetings  for  many  years  past.  We  may  acknowledg  it  to 
have  bin  some  Encouragement  to  us  on  s<i-  October  meeting 
to  find  in  Lett^-  of  his  to  M^-  Pierpont  (now  in  o^-  hands)  that 
he  declared  his  mind  to  be  for  the  Settling  the  Collegiate 
School  at  Newhaven,  when  no  one  might  question  his  being 
a  Trustee,  &  capable  of  Rational  Consent. 

ffurther  We  observe 

That  the  Observation  saith  at  least  nine  trustees  in  being, 
&  where  are  entred  Trustees  Concurring  &  Trustees  not  Con- 
curring, there  appear  but  eight  names. 

That  Suppose  there  were  at  least  nine  trustees  in  being  & 
no  more  (as  the  Observation  insinuates)  &  only  four  not 
concurring  (as  the  Observation  expresseth)  it  must  needs 
follow  that  five  Trustees  of  the  nine  did  concur,  and  so  there 
is  a  Majority  of  trustees  settling  the  Collegiate  School  at  N 
Haven  by  the  s^-  act  Octob.  1717. 


1717] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


123 


But  admitting  M^"-  Ruggles  to  have  been  &  to  be  a  Trustee, 
which  is  the  Truth  in  o''-  account  for  diverse  years  past,  it  is 
then  Evident  that  Six  Trustees  have  consented  to  the  Settling 
the  s^-  School  at  N  Haven — &  admitting  the  s^-  M^-  Mather 
being  disabled  to  have  been  then  no  Trustee,  We  offer  the 
Catalogue  as  Just 

Trustees  dissenting 

theRev^P"^-^^^^'^"^^^ 
S.  Russel  1 M^-  Tho.  Buckingham 

J.  Webb  the  Bev^-  M^-  M.  Noyes 

J.  Davenport  yet 

T.  Ruggles  consenting 


Trustees  Consenting 
Mr-  S.  Andrew 


the  Rev<^- 


dec.  19, 1716 


Mr 

Mr 
Mi- 
Mr 
Mr 


J.  Noyes 


The  Remark  of  the  dissatisfied  Trustees  on  the  action 
of  April  5,  1717,  which  confirmed  the  above-mentioned 
action  of  October,  1716,  is  quoted.    Then  follows : 

Our  Answer  to  the  above  Remark. 

Admitting  what  is  aforesaid  concerning  M^"-  Ruggles  &  the 
Rev<i-  Mr-  S.  Mather,  it  will  appear  that  more  than  an  Equal 
part  of  the  Trustees,  yea  more  than  a  meer  Majority  of  the 
Trustees  have  together  confirmed  our  act  Apr.  1717,  for  to 
us  it  seems  this  Number  of  the  consenting  Trustees  is  just. 

Trustees  present  &  consenting  Trustees  not  present  & 


the  Rev^- 
Messieurs 


James  Noyes 
Sam^-  Andrew 
Sam^-  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 


the  Rev^- 
Messieurs 


so  not  consenting 
Moses  Noyes 
T.  Woodbridg 
Tho.  Buckingham 
St.  Buckingham 


The  Observation  on  the  action  of  September  11,  1717, 
validating  Mr.  Ruggles 's  election,  is  quoted.  Then 
follows : 

Our  Answer  to  the  s'^-  Observation  last  named  concerning 
Mr-  Ruggles. 

We  say  1.  the  Copy  of  y®  last  Act  being  perused,  it  certainly 


124  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

appears  to  be  the  Act  of  Six  Trustees,  unquestionably  the 
majority  of  o^-  whole  body,  who  have  by  their  own  hand 
writing  declared  on  Record,  the  s^-  M^-  Ruggles  to  have  really 
&  actually  been  a  Trustee  for  diverse  years  past,  which  at 
least  implies  their  acknowledging  him  an  Associate,  &  at 
least  amounts  to  a  then-associating  of  him,  in  case  there  were 
need  of  it.  These  words  in  s*i-  Act  viz*-  (W^  all  account  him 
a  Worthy  Trustee  &  Associate)  we  trust  will  be  accepted  by 
all  to  be  as  much  as  if  we  had  said,  We  all  nominate  him  to  be 
a  Trustee  &  Associate,  the  case  calling  for  it. 

But  We  do  affirm  him  to  have  been  a  Trustee  diverse  Years 
past.  But  against  this  They  object  that  this  is  Our  judgment 
in  our  own  Case.  Upon  it,  we  ask,  who  can  better  declare 
such  a  matt^-  than  so  Undeniable  a  Majority  of  all  the  Trustees 
in  being  or  that  can  be  mett  in  Conventions,  unto  whom  cer- 
tainly belongs  to  Associate,  the  Rest  of  the  Trustees  having 
been  before  notified.  Who  can  doubt  whether  the  Majority 
of  the  Trustees  so  saying  one  is  a  Trustee,  can  be  interpreted 
less  than  their  choosing  &  appointing  One  for  a  Trustee? 

2.  We  desire  the  Words  before  noted  in  Their  Memorial 
to  be  considered,  which  by  a  necessary  interpretation  shew 
that  themselves  so  accounted  of  M^-  Ruggles,  he  being  cer- 
tainly one  of  the  Six  mett  at  hartford  May  1716. 

3.  Besides,  if  our  Records  were  in  our  hands,  which  we 
would  have  had,  but  they  are  still  detained  from  us.  We  make 
not  the  least  Question,  but  it  would  appear  for  above  Six 
years  past,  that  M^"-  Ruggles,  who  was  then  above  fourty  years 
of  age,  his  name  would  be  found  entred  at  the  Beginning  of 
the  Acts  of  such  meeting  together  with  the  Names  of  other 
the  Trustees  then  Convened  &  also  his  name  would  (we  doubt 
not)  appear  with  other  the  Trustees  Signing  the  Acts  of  s*^- 
Meeting,  which  we  a(^count  equal  to  a  Nominating  him  as 
Associate,  or  Associating  him,  w^'^-  imports  a  Joyning  or 
taking  into  fellowship  &  Company.  No  particular  way  of 
Associating  being  in  o^-  Charter  sett  down,  so  that  the 
Trustees  are  left  intirely  at  their  own  Liberty  in  what  way  it 
may  seem  meet  to  them  to  associate. 


1717] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


125 


Now  w^-  the  Name  is  Entred  w^^-  otli^-  Trustees  name  at  the 
Beginning  of  the  Acts  of  any  o''-  Meetings,  there  is  the  Desig- 
nation Nomination  &  Approbation  of  such  a  Name  as  a  Trus- 
tee, &  the  signing  of  the  same  Name  w*^-  oth'"-  Trustees  at  the 
End  of  said  acts  sheweth  both  their  Approbation  &  his 
Acceptance. 

2.  Concerning  M'"-  Adams,  whom  all  of  us  value  &  honour : 
We  afifirm  there  will  not  be  found  in  the  Records  of  o""-  then 
meeting  any  vote  about  M'"-  Adams  being  a  Trustee,  nor  can 
we  count  an  Equal  Numb'"-  of  the  Trustees  in  the  account  of 
these  dissenting  Gentlemen  who  inclined  to  M^-  Adams  being 
Trustee,  not  for  want  of  Respect  to  that  Gent^-,  but  not  then 
of  age. 

Besides  from  that  time  till  now,  M''-  Adams  Name  hath 
never  appeared  in  any  of  o^-  Meetings  at  the  beginning  or 
End  of  0^-  acts. 

ffurther  o^-  Confirmation  of  the  Settling  of  the  Collegiate 
School  at  N  Haven  on  Oct.  1716  &  repeated  Apr  5,  1717,  is 
done  by  more  than  a  Moiety  of  the  Trustees  may  appear  by 
this  Comparison. 


Trustees  Confirming 

J.  Noyes 
Sam^-  Andrew 
the  Rev^-     S.  Russel 
Messieurs    Jo.  Webb 

Joh.  Davenport 
Tho.  Ruggles 


Trustees  not  Confirming 

Mo.  Noyes 
the  Revd-     T.  Woodbridg 
Messieurs    Tho.  Buckingham 

Ste.  Buckingham 


Our  answers  as  above  are  acknowledged  &  approved  of 

By  James  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Tho:  Ruggles 


NHaven:Oct.  25, 1717 


126  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

LXXII.    Account  by  the  Trustees  of  the-  School ^s 
Having  Been  at  Saybrook  and  its  Removal 

to  New  Haven 

October  25, 1717 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

In  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  John  Davenport,  of 
Stamford,  who  had  become  a  Trustee  in  1714. 

An  Acco*-  offered  by  the  Subscribers  concerning  the  Colle- 
giate School  having  bin  at  Saybrook  &  its  removal  to  N  H. 

As  we  acknowledg  s*^-  School  to  have  bin  at  Saybrook  & 
several  acts  or  votes  of  the  Trustees  for  it,  So  we  do  solemnly 
&  seriously  assert  o''-  own  Innocency  &  that  we  were  not  the 
Cause  at  the  first  of  Removing  it  as  may  appear 

1.  ffrom  our  Records  Apr.  1716.  if  we  had  them,  when  in 
the  great  Confusions  of  the  Scholars  We  yielded  to  the  Dis- 
satisfyed  Trustees,  that  such  Scholars  as  would  might  have 
liberty  to  be  nearer  their  own  homes  for  tuition.  And  it  was 
then  concluded  as  a  means  of  accommodation  to  go  on  to  build 
the  house  for  the  School  there  w**^-  all  convenient  Spied. 

2.  ffrom  the  petition  of  the  Dissatisfyed  Trustees  pre- 
sented to  the  Geni-  Assembly  May  10,  1716. 

3.  ffrom  the  Letter  sent  to  us  under  the  hand  of  the  Secr^, 
whereby  to  the  Surprize  of  us  all  We  were  desired  forthwith 
to  appear  at  hartf.,  because  the  School  at  Sayb.  was  in  a 
Languishing  State,  &  might  be  best  relieved  by  removing  it 
to  hartf.,  w°-  our  hopes  were  by  the  doings  of  April  about 
a  month  or  six  weeks  before,  the  Spirits  of  all  the  Trustees 
were  quieted  &  well  agreed  for  the  Schools  being  at  Saybr. 

4.  ffrom  the  Earnest  &  Vehement  opposition  of  the  Dis- 
senting trustees  then  met  at  o^-  Conference  there  unto  the 
Schools  being  at  Saybr.  &  by  the  gen^-  [report?]  then  at 
hartf.  a  Dark  reflection  was  Laid  upon  Saybr.  as  a  place 
altogether  unfit  for  the  School. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  127 

5.  ffrom  0^-  acts  of  Saybr.  Sep  1716. 

6.  ffrom  0^-  appearing  at  N  H.  Oct.  1716  at  the  Council 
Chamber,  after  our  act  for  the  School  being  at  N  H.,  where 
it  was  proposed  in  the  names  of  all  the  Trustees  consenting 
for  N  H.  that  We  would  then  Render  Null  o^-  s<^-  act  of  Settling 
s<i-  School  at  N  H.  &  all  of  us  would  uprightly  agree  for  Sayb., 
M^-  Davenp*-  offered  it  in  his  name  &  of  all  the  Consenting 
Trustees  then  present,  &  M^-  Russel  offered  it  likewise,  but 
M'"-  Woodbr.  offered  not  one  word  of  acceptance,  nor  did 
M'"-  Buck'"-  say  one  word. 

7.  ffrom  0^-  own  knowledg  or  certain  information  from 
o^-  records  or  of  some  of  o^selves. 

Signed 

James  Noyes 
Sam:  Andrew 
S.  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
J.  Da\ienport 

T.   RUGGLES 

N  Haven  Oct.  25,  1717 


LXXIII.    Representation  of  Moses  Notes  to  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

This  Memorial  was  read  to  the  Upper  House  on  Octo- 
ber 26,  and  transmitted  to  the  Lower  House. 

To  the  honoured  Generall  Court  assembled  at  New  Haven, 
Octob.  10, 1717 

Wheras  the  case  of  the  collegiate  School,  is  by  others  laid 
before  you  I  humbly  crave  Liberty  to  offer  to  your  considera- 
tion whether  it  may  not  be  advisable,  as  a  good  expedient  to 
remove  al  dissatisfaction  and  restore  peace,  to  lay  in  the 


128  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

ballance  against  the  claim  of  Newhaven,  the  claim  of  Say- 
brook  which  is  by  many  thought  to  be  more  weighty  and  just. 

1.  Because  it  was  by  the  primitive  Trustees  to  whom  it 
was  immediately  committed  by  many  repeated  acts,  setled  at 
Saybrook  as  appears  by  records. 

2.  Return  was  made  to  the  court,  and  so  accepted  by  them 
as  that  they  have  declared  that  the  sallary  is  granted  to  the 
School  at  Saybrook  expressly  in  the  printed  book  of  Laws. 
It  was  virtually  published  to  the  world  in  the  printed  Theses 
which  w^  designedly  sent  to  England,  to  procure  donations  of 
books,  and  were  successful.  The  five  hundred  pound  also 
given  by  the  court,  was  given  to  it  upon  information  that  it 
was  fixed  at  Saybrook  as  also  other  donations,  and  a  School 
in  another  place  canot  claim  any  title  to  them,  for  as  much  as 
it  is  not  the  same  nor  a  legitimate  heir. 

3.  I  am  not  satisfyed,  that  the  charter  doth  grant  power 
to  the  trustees  to  remove  the  School  after  such  a  settlement 
made  as  was  at  Saybrook  For  that  would  inform  that  they 
might  keep  it  in  effect  and  estate  for  ever.  They  had  a  house 
there  though  not  so  great  as  that  frame  at  Newhaven. 

4.  The  inhabitants  of  Saybrook  complain  that  they  are 
hardly  dealt  with,  and  that  the  Trustees  have  given  too  great 
a  shew  of  breach  of  promise  or  covenant  with  them,  and  I 
humbly  [  ]  M^  Stephen  Whittlesay  and  M^"-  Peter  Pratt 
may  be  heard  upon  that  head. 

Y^"-  humble  servant  Moses  No  yes 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  129 


LXXIV.    Reasons  for  the  Votes  of  the  Lower  House 

OF  THE  Connecticut  General  Assembly  upon 

the  Acts  of  the  Trustees 

October,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

From  the  handwriting  these  Reasons  are  shown  to  have 
been  composed  by  the  Rev.  Moses  Noyes,  of  Lyme. 

The  Reasons  of  the  Lower  House  for  their  votes  upon  the 
acts  of  the  Trustees  and  their  dissent  to  the  bill  of  the  Upper 
house  thereupon  are  1  Because  Their  Charter  makes  them 
partners  not  one  body  politick  2  The  power  of  a  Maj'"  part 
given  in  the  charter  is  expressly  to  furnish  direct  manage 
order  improue  and  incourage  the  s<^  Collegiate  Scool  so 
ordered  and  formed  as  is  before  ordered  and  not  to  form  erect 
and  fix  the  place 

And  supposing  the  Trustees  were  incorporated  then  The 
Reasons  of  the  dissent  of  the  Lower  house  are  1  M^  Mather 
has  not  been  proved  incapable — as  much  or  more  has  been 
said  for  him  as  against  him.  2  The  act  of  the  Trustees  con- 
cerning M^-  Rugles  was  not  intended  to  be  a  chasing  and  asso- 
ciateing  of  him  at  the  time  of  s^  act  but  a  declaration  that  he 
was  a  worthy  Trustee  altho  it  was  conceeded  that  at  the  time 
of  his  Election  he  was  not  40  years  old  and  consequently  not 
then  Qualified  by  charter 

3  The  act  of  M^-  Noyes  after  the  meeting  of  the  partners  or 
association  was  over  was  a  Consent  without  Conference, 
Counsel  without  Consultation  and  a  Resolve  of  the  highest 
importance  without  debate  which  is  thought  to  be  irregular 
and  dangerous  and  tends  to  promote  faction  and  division 
amongst  the  partners  or  in  the  association  and  besides  it 
supposes  that  there  may  be  a  lawfull  act  of  an  association 
without  associating  or  an  act  of  an  assembly  by  subscription 
without  assembling 


130  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1717 

We  humbly  propose  whether  there  is  not  some  imperfection 
in  the  charter  that  ought  to  be  mended  that  it  may  be  a  lasting 
foundation  of  good  to  this  government 


LXXV.    A  Reply  to  the  Reasons  for  the  Votes  of  the 

Lower  House  of  the  Connecticut  General 

Assembly  upon  the  Acts  of  the  Trustees 

IN  Settlement  of  the  School 

AT  New  Haven 

October,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  authorship  of  this  paper  is  not  known. 

A  Reply  to  y®  Reasons  of  y^  lower  House. 

Allowing  y«  Trustees  to  be  considered  as  Partners  We  see 
clearly  that  our  own  laws  have  provided  that  they  shall  govern 
by  y-  Majorities  as  Towns,  Proprietors,  Owners  of  Shipps. 
Now  these  are  not  bodies  corporate  yet  as  j^  Common  law 
allows  are  as  it  were  incorporate  to  do  some  things  w*^out 
which  the  could  not  well  mannage. 

2.  The  power  of  a  Majority  given  in  y^  Charter  is  ex- 
pressly to  furnish  y^  School  with  a  good  House,  a  considerable 
Article  in  y^  Catalogue  of  a  Schools  furniture,  admitting  all 
must  agree  to  form  and  erect.  Its  clear  that  every  thing  and 
y®  School  it  self  must  be  formed  and  erected  in  order  to  y^- 
being  fixd  in  any  place,  fixing  is  a  subsequent  Act  to  forma- 
tion and  erection.  Its  not  j^  Erection  of  y^  House  but  y® 
School. 

3.  You  agree  that  if  M^-  M^-  be  uncapable  of  y*  trust  that 
he  must  not  be  numbered  w*^-  them  and  object  only  against 
the  truth  of  his  Incapacity,  of  w<^^-  every  one  must  judge  as 
he  finds  or  is  perswaded. 

4.  Admitting  M^"-  R  was  not  40  w°-  nominated  or  pitched 
upon  yet  being  admitted  and  actually  associated  when  and 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  131 

after  he  was  40  became  a  lawfull  Trustee  tlio  it  had  never 
been  after  demonstrated  by  a  further  Declaration. 

Many  have  given  Consent  w^i^out  vocal  Conference,  Counsel 
without  vocal  Consultation.  A  little  variation  in  Situation  is 
not  of  y*  Highest  Importance.  Many  Debates  are  managed 
by  writing.  Its  necessary  in  every  Constitution  w°-  y«  Cir- 
cumstances are  such  as  that  y®  Inconveniences  w^hich  may 
happen  for  want  of  a  Convention  are  greater  y"-  may  happen 
by  y^-  Acting  without  Convention,  that  their  Constitution 
should  be  such  as  to  allow  of  y^-  acting  without  a  Convention 
of  y^-  bodies  so  that  y^-  minds  are  present  and  agreeing,  for 
w<=^-  Reason  doubtles  these  Gentlemen  are  not  by  y^"-  Pattent 
obliged  to  a  Convention. 


LXXVI.    Votes  of   the   Connecticut   General  As- 
sembly, ON  Requiring  Unanimous  Action  by 
the  Trustees  to  Change  the  Place 
of  the  School 

October  28, 1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

A  Question  Being  Put  to  this  House,  Whether  that  by  the 

Charter  given  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  Schooll  There 

must  be  a  Universall  Agreement  of  the  Trustees  to  Form  & 

Determine  the  Place  for  y^  Erecting  of  the  Collegiate  Schooll. 

Voted  in  the  Affirmative  In  The  Lower  House. 

Test.  Elisha  Williams  Clerk 


Ordered  that  it  be  an  Instruction  to  Maj'"-  Burr  and  M^- 
Law,  a  Committe  of  this  Board,  to  meet  with  a  Committe  of 
the  Low^-  House  that  they  return  the  above  Vote  of  the  Lower 
House  to  the  Committee,  This  Board  not  thinking  it  will  be 
of  any  Service,  to  multiply  Questions  of  this  Nature,  in  the 
debate  about  the  proceedings  of  the  Trustees  which  depends 


132  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

Entirely  upon  the  Question  whether  there  has  been  a  Majority 
of  the  Trustees  Concurring  to  them. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 


LXXVII.    Proceedings  of  the  Connecticut  Gteneral 

Assembly  in  Regard  to  Confirmation  of  the 

Removal  of  the  School  to  New  Haven 

October  28, 1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  Board  [i.e.,  the  Upper  House,]  having  considered  what 
was  offered  in  the  publick  hearing  of  the  Trustees,  on  Satur- 
day last,  and  finding  alledged  or  objected  therein  on  the  Side 
of  the  Trustees,  dissenting  from  the  acts  of  the  Rest,  in 
Removing  the  School  from  Saybrook  to  New  Haven,  &  Erect- 
ing a  House  for  it.  But  what  was  laid  before  this  Board  by 
the  Rever^<i-  M^-  Woodbridge  and  M^-  Buckingham  under  their 
hands  Viz*- :  that  the  s<^-  Remove  was  not  made,  and  s*i-  House 
Erected  at  N :  Haven  by  a  Lawfull  Majority  of  the  b^-  Trus- 
tees, Wee  have  again  considered  the  same,  and  do  thereupon 
declare,  that  these  Objections  are  not  of  such  Weight,  as  to 
Maintain  what  they  are  brought  for,  but  that  on  the  contrary, 
the  proceedings  and  doings  of  the  Trustees,  by  removing  the 
s^-  School  from  Saybrook  to  N :  Haven,  which  the  dissenting 
Trustees  have  appeared  against,  have  been  done  by  a  Ma- 
jority of  the  Trustees,  And  Wee  hope  that  since  there  has 
been  so  full  and  clear  an  opening  of  that  Mannagement  & 
Vindication  of  it  from  many  Misrepresentations,  Whereby 
the  Minds  of  divers  persons  have  been  greatly  Agitated  and 
much  distressed  in  a  strange  and  Unusuall  manner;  all  dis- 
satisfyed  persons  will  rest  Contented  in  the  Setlement  of  the 
School,  and  providing  for  it  at  NewHaven,  as  being  done  by 
those  that  have  the  Care  of  it  committed  to  them:  and  that 
too   the   appearances   of   Severall   remarkable   passages    of 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  133 

divine  providences,  Whereby  what  the  Trustees  had  often 
agreed  to,  and  sincerely  endeavour^-,  was  prevented  and 
otherwise  determined. 

Past  in  the  Upp''-  House 

Test  Hez:  Wyllys  Secry 

Nonconcurred  with  in  the  Lower  House 

Test.  Elisha  Williams  Clerk 


M^-  John  Eliot,  Cap*-  James  Rogers,  &  M^-  Braynard  are 
appointed  a  Committee  by  This  House  to  Joyn  a  Committe 
yt-  shall  be  appointed  by  The  Upper  House,  To  Confer  & 
Debate  Upon  The  Within  Mentioned  Bill. 

Past  in  The  Lower  House. 

Test.  Elisha  Williams  Clerk 

Peter  Burr  and  Jonathan  Law  Esq"-  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mitte to  Joyn  the  Committe  of  the  Low^"-  House  to  Confer  with 
them  upon  this  Bill 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry. 

The  within  Bill  Reconsidered  and  Past  as  amended 

for  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 


134  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 


LXXVIII.     Argument  of  the  Upper  House  of  the 

Connecticut  General  Assembly  for  Thehi 

Action  in  Favor  of  the  Settlement 

AT  New  Haven 

October  29, 1717 

[From  the  original  Journal  in  the  Secretary  of  State's 

Office] 

The  Occasion  of  our  desiring  the  Rever^^-  Trustees  of  the 
Collegiate  School  to  acquaint  us  with  their  proceedings  in 
Erecting  s*^  School  and  building  a  house  for  it  in  N.  Haven 
was  the  difference  that  had  arisen  among  themselves  and  the 
great  Contention  it  hath  occasioned  among  the  people,  many 
persons  Concerning  themselves  to  have  the  house  for  the 
Colledge  set  up,  in  this  place  or  that  place,  as  it  suited  their 
fancy  or  Interest;  the  End  we  aimed  at  was  by  giving  such 
advice  and  directions  as  it  might  be  found  proper  to  reconcile 
the  Trustees,  to  Restore  the  Peace  of  the  Land,  and  En- 
courage the  good  work  under  the  Care  of  the  Trustees.  Upon 
a  full  hearing  of  the  Trustees  and  Consideration  of  their 
representation  and  State  of  the  s^-  School  Wee  have  con- 
sidered the  principall  End  of  this  Enquiry  Viz  that  with  the 
peace  and  good  will  of  all  as  farr  as  may  be,  the  Collegiate 
School  may  flourish  under  the  Care  and  Conduct  of  the 
Trustees,  And  Wee  could  heartily  Wish  it  were  possible  that 
Every  Individuall  Person  in  the  Land  might  be  pleased  with 
the  place  of  Carrying  on  this  Work,  but  as  this  (considered 
that  wherever  it  stands,  some  men  will  think  it  more  and 
some  less  Convenient  for  themselves  in  particular)  is  never 
to  be  Expected,  Wee  therefore  lay  it  aside,  and  think  with 
our  Selves  what  probably  may  be  grateful!  to  them,  that  have 
been  Sincerely  in  the  Interest  of  the  School  and  heartily  wish 
its  prosperity  wherever  it  may  be  carry<i-  on  and  what  will 
most  conduce  to  the  Rendering  this  School  a  lasting  blessing 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  135 

to  us.  Wee  Overlook  therefore  even  what  has  been  objected 
by  some  of  the  Trustees,  against  the  doings  of  the  other  in  this 
matter,  Viz  that  they  have  not  acted  by  a  Majority  in  Erect- 
ing Removing  and  building  a  house  for  the  said  School  at 
N :  Haven,  not  because  it  seems  difficult  to  determine  whether 
they  have  or  no,  for  Wee  Judge  they  have,  but  because  it  does 
not  seem  to  be  of  such  Importance,  ffor  its  Evident  that  the 
Trustees  really  beleived  that  they  might  act  without  Con- 
vening ;  That  M^"-  Ruggles  was  an  Associate  with  them ;  That 
M^-  Mather  was  disabled  from  being  so,  tho  contrary  to  what 
has  been  objected,  and  that  in  this  perswasion  they  have  acted 
for  many  Years,  and  supposing  what  they  have  done  to  be 
(In  respect  of  what  has  been  objected)  Irregular,  Yet  its 
possible  they  have  done  what  will  well  conduce  to  the  End 
aimed  at,  the  advancement  of  Learning  among  us.  And  if  they 
have  missed  in  not  Acting  by  their  Majority  or  Universality 
or  in  any  other  point  of  form  Wee  are  to  give  our  advice  upon 
what  they  have  done,  not  to  distroy  the  End  proposed  Viz 
promotion  of  Learning,  and  to  Encourage  it.  Our  so  doing 
will  we  hope  end  in  the  peace  desired  for  certainly  the  Multi- 
tude of  particular  persons  in  our  Severall  Towns,  if  we  En- 
courage this  good  work  in  such  place  as  Wee  think  Convenient, 
will  not  be  Uneasy  because  they  can*-  have  it  nearer  to  them- 
selves, the  Case  then  is  Really  this.  The  Trustees  supposing 
themselves  to  have  power  in  their  Charter,  have  by  their 
Majority  at  least  Erected  a  School  at  Killingworth,  removed 
it  to  Saybrook  and  at  Length  to  N :  Haven  which  they  Judged 
in  all  respects  most  Convenient  and  most  Sutable  for  them  to 
pitch  upon,  here  they  have  built  a  house  and  are  in  prepara- 
tion to  finish  it,  which  they  hope  to  do  speedily,  and  Entertain 
in  it  about  40  Schollars. 

Upon  this  Our  advice  and  direction  is.  That  not  Troubling 
themselves  with  the  Questions  of  Right  that  have  arisen  in 
this  debate  and  caused  so  long  Contention,  The  Trustees  be 
directed  and  advised  to  finish  their  Undertaking  acting  therein 
by  the  Majority  of  their  Number.  Our  Reasons  are  If  it  be 
so  that  what  they  have  done  with  a  good  Intention  may  by 


136  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

the  blessing  of  God  attain  the  End  and  Support  the  School 
and  be  a  happy  means  of  furnishing  us  with  men  of  Learning 
Wee  ought  to  Encourage  their  hearts  and  Strengthen  their 
hands  in  this  good  Undertaking.  And  Wee  can*-  but  hope 
that  what  they  have  done  may  under  this  Encouragement 
prove  a  great  blessing  to  us.  If  we  do  discourage  by  our 
advice  the  Carrying  on  of  this  work,  there  may  be  great 
danger  that  we  fail  of  the  End  it  self,  that  neither  these 
present  Trustees,  nor  any  other  Sutable  persons  will  be 
willing  to  Engage  in  such  another  Undertaking;  the  Ani- 
mosities which  have  on  this  occasion  arisen  among  us,  may 
very  probably  prevail  and  End  in  the  Subversion  of  much 
good,  and  we  agree  that  these  Resolutions  should  be  delivered 
to  the  Trustees  as  our  advice  to  them,  which  we  hope  may  be 
of  Use  to  them  and  may  be  profitably  observed  untill  such 
Time  as  it  may  please  God  to  provide  some  other  way  wherein 
the  good  work  committed  to  their  Care  may  be  carry'^-  on 
more  to  the  advantage  of  the  good  End  proposed  and  the  said 
Trustees  be  Indemnifyed  and  Secured  from  any  dammages 
comming  to  them,  by  what  they  have  already  done  in  the 
Mannagement  of  the  affairs  of  the  School,  and  bringing  what 
they  have  begun  to  a  good  perfection. 


LXXIX.    Proposal  of  the  Upper  House  of  the  Con"- 

NECTicuT  General  Assembly  for  a  Conference 

ON  College  Affahis 

October  29, 1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

This  House  considering  the  affair  of  the  Collegiate  School, 
as  Laid  before  this  Assembly,  the  Importance  of  it,  to  the 
Publick  Weal,  and  Peace,  the  great  Expence  Wee  have  been 
at,  by  the  Length  of  the  Debate,  The  Earnest  desires  of  the 
Trustees,  to  be  discharged  from  their  present  attendance,  the 
Obstruction  this  gives  to  other  buisness,  The  Mischeif  of 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  137 

Suffering  this  Contention  to  remain,  Do  therefore  agree  to  a 
Conference  of  both  Houses,  that  by  Mutuall  Consideration 
and  assistance.  We  may  the  better  resolve,  what  advice  & 
direction  It  may  be  best  for  us  to  giue.  Towards  Restoring 
good  Order  and  Peace,  in  Relation  to  the  Mannagement  of 
the  School. 

Past  in  the  Upp''-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry : 

Dissented  to  in  the  Lower  House. 

Test.  Elisha  Williams  Clerk 


LXXX.    Proceedings  of  the  Two  Houses  of  the  Cox- 
NECTicuT  General  Assembly,  on  the  Deter- 
mination OF  A  Place  for  the  School 

October  29-30,  1717 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

It  may  be  noted  that  the  earliest  recorded  use  of  the 
previous  question  in  the  Connecticut  Assembly  is  that 
mentioned  here. 

Voted  by  y^-  House  y*-  after  some  Consideration  of  a  Place 
proper  for  the  Settlement  of  the  Collegiate  School  under  y^ 
Present  Difficult  Circumstances  of  it,  they  will  proceed  to 
bring  in  their  Votes,  for  y«  Place  of  Building  y«  Collegiate 
School  which  is  to  be  Determined  by  a  Majority  of  y«  Votes 
which  are  to  be  brought  in  in  Writing. 

After  y«  Consideration  of  y^  Matter  M'"-  Speaker  called  for 
ye  Votes  of  y^  House  for  a  Place  to  settle  the  Collegiate 
School,  &  y«  House  brought  in  their  Votes,  35  of  which  were 
for  Middletown,  &  32  were  for  NHaven. 

Past  in  The  Lower  House. 

Test :  Elisha  Williams  Clerk. 


138  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

Voated  in  the  Lower  house  that  Coll:  Whiting,  M^-  Eliott, 
and  Maj^-  John  Clark  be  a  commitee  to  Joyne  the  Comt^^-  of  the 
vper  house  to  confer  and  debate  with  them  Respecting  the 
Resolues  of  either  board  Refering  to  the  Schoole,  Espetially 
to  giue  the  Reasons  of  this  house,  for  theire  last  voate  stateing 
the  place  for  y®  schoole,  that  the  matter  may  be  accomedated 
by  the  vper  house's  cuming  into  the  same  Resolue,  or  by  sum 
other  proper  meanes  for  the  settleing  and  accomedateing  the 
whole  affaire. 

Past  in  the  Lower  House 
Test :  Elisha  Williams  Clerk 

Peter  Burr  Sam^^-  Eells  and  Jonathan  Law  Esq^^-  are 
appointed  a  Committe  to  Joyn  the  Committe  of  the  Lower 
House  abovementioned  to  confer  and  consider  of  the  affair 
abovementioned. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 
Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secry. 

Majo^  Burr,  Majo'"-  Eells  and  M^"-  Law  a  Committee  of  this 
board  [i.e.,  the  Upper  House]  Ordered  to  receive  the  Reasons 
from  the  Committee  of  the  LoW-  House  upon  the  Subject  of 
the  Collegiate  School,  Laid  before  this  board  what  they  rec^- 
from  the  Committe  of  the  LoW-  House  as  follows — 

An  Account  of  the  Vote  of  the  Low^-  House  concerning  the 
Election  of  Middletown,  for  placing  the  Collegiate  School 
and  the  grounds  of  their  proceedings  therein. 

Severall  principall  members  of  this  House  Moved  that  this 
matter  of  the  place  of  the  Collegiate  School  might  be  brought 
to  an  Issue,  and  Urged  the  Necessity  thereof  and  declared  that 
if  the  Majo^-  part  of  this  House  did  Vote  another  place  for 
the  School  then  NewHaven,  they  would  set  down  Satisfyed. 
After  some  Considerations  it  was  moved  that  a  previous 
Question  should  be  put  whether  the  Vote  of  the  House  upon 
the  s<^-  matter  should  now  be  Taken.  Some  debate  being  had 
it  was  Voted  in  the  Affirmative  and  after  Considerable  Time 
spent  in  considering  and  debating  upon  all  Circumstances 
and  Conveniencies  respecting  a  place,  the  House  brought  in 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  139 

their  Votes  in  writing,  and  pitch*-  upon  Midletown.  The 
Necessity  of  bringing  this  matter  to  an  Issue  by  this  Assembly 
is  founded  upon  those  Considerations  besides  what  has  been 
Intimated  in  the  Reason  of  our  former  Votes.  1,  The  differ- 
ent Opinions  of  the  Trustees  concerning  the  Conveniency  and 
Justice  of  the  place,  as  well  as  the  manner  of  Ordering.  2,  the 
discouragement  the  School  w^ill  Ly  under  without  a  deter- 
mination. 3,  The  Peace  and  Sattisfaction  of  the  Country,  Its 
reasonably  hop<*  will  follow  from  an  Equall  and  Just  determi- 
nation. 

And  Likewise  what  the  Committe  of  Board  offered  in 
answer  to  the  afores*^-  Reasons,  Viz*- 

Its  doubted  whether  the  Reasons  given  be  sufficient  to 
Warrant  the  Vote  of  the  Lower  House  for  fixing  y®  place  for 
y®  School — 

1.  Because  it  cannot  be  expected  that  all  y^  Trustees  or 
members  of  any  other  Society  should  be  all  of  y«  same  mind 
in  all  y^-  Determinations,  Unless  y®  matter  were  decided  to  be 
wrong. 

2  Bee:  y®  Determination  of  y*  place  by  those  to  whom  it 
does  not  so  properly  belong,  with  y«  like  or  greater  Difference 
in  Opinion  will  not  Abate  y^  Discouragement. 

3  Bee :  It  cant  be  reasonably  hoped  that  peace  and  Satis- 
faction should  arise  out  of  a  more  slender  Majority  in  y^ 
Decision  by  y^  Assembly  to  whom  it  dos  not  so  properly  ap- 
pertain as  by  y«  clearer  Majority  of  y^  Trustees.  Neither  can 
that  Decision  be  lookt  upon  so  equal  and  just  as  this  of  y^ 
Trustees  whose  proper  work  it  is.  ' 

Peter  Burr 
g^jyjLL.  Eells 
Jonth,  Law 


Com*ee.  of  ye 
Upper  House 


[Final  action  of  the  Upper  House] 

Ordered  that  the  following  Message  be  Entered  in   our 
Journall  and  sent  to  the  Low^-  House 

M^"-  Speak^-  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Low^-  House 

It  is  now  many  days  that  Wee  have  been  Taken  up  in  the 


140  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

affair  of  the  Collegiate  School,  and  after  many  Endeavours 
by  Votes  and  by  Committees,  without  any  prospect  of  Uniting 
in  any  Conclusion  Wee  proposed  to  You  a  Conference  of  both 
Houses  which  you  have  declined.  Conference  being  an 
Ancient  Custom  of  this  Assembly,  in  Cases  wherein  the 
Houses  cannot  otherwise  come  to  a  Conclusion  in  any  matter 
before  them.  Wee  have  searched  our  Records  and  cannot  find 
that  this  House  Ever  refused  a  Conference  when  You  moved 
for  it  and  as  Wee  can't  think  there  should  be  any  Sufficient 
Reasons  to  deny  what  has  been  so  Customary,  Wee  recom- 
mend it  again  to  You  that  Wee  may  have  Opertunity  in  Con- 
ference, to  communicate  our  thoughts  to  each  other,  since 
Wee  have  no  prospect  in  any  other  way  to  Understand  what 
it  may  be  fit  for  us  to  do  to  put  an  End  to  the  Contentions  that 
have  been  too  long  in  the  Colony  about  the  Collegiate  School. 


LXXXI.    Peoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

October  30,  1717 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School  at  New- 
haven  Octob^-  30.  1717. 

Present  1.     Agreed  that  the  Reverend  M^" 

the  Rev<i  Messieurs  James  Noyes  be  the  Moderator 


James  Noyes 
Moses  Noyes 
Sam^  Andrew 
Timo  Woodbridg 
Sam^  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Buckingham 
Thomas  Ruggles 


of  this  present  meeting. 

2.  Agreed  that  the  Rev^  M^  John 
Davenport  be  the  Scribe  of  this 
present  meeting. 

3.  This  Question  was  pro- 
pounded— 

Whether  the  Reverend  Trus- 
tees, viz*-  M'"  Russel  &  M^" 
Ruggles  be  deputed  &  ordered 
by  us  to  make  inquiry  of  Major 

Clark  of  Saybrook,  or  any  other,  as  soon  as  may  be, 
concerning  the  Books  belonging  to  us  the  Trustees  of  the 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  141 

s^-  Collegiate  School,  which  are  (as  we  hear)  in  M""  Dan^ 
Buckingham 's  hands,  Whether  the  said  Books  are  under 
any  seizure,  &  what  is  the  present  Condition  of  the  Said 
Books?  The  Above  question  is  resolved  by  Vote  affir- 
matively. 

4.  These  two  Questions  were  propounded — 

ffirst  Question.  Whether  the  Trustees  here  mett  agree 
&  vote  that  the  Reverend  M''  Thomas  Ruggles  of  Guil- 
ford hath  been  to  us  a  Trustee  &  associate  of  the  Colle- 
giate School  of  Connecticut  for  full  six  years  past,  & 
that  all  the  doings  of  the  Trustees  that  have  his  name 
Signing  any  of  our  acts  within  the  time  aforesaid  are 
valid  because  of  his  signing  any  the  same  as  much  as  of 
Any  other  Trustee  whomsoever? 

Second  Question  Whether  in  ord^  to  remove  the  Scruples 
&  Doubts  of  Any  on  the  Account  of  s*^  M^  Ruggles  being 
a  Trustee,  We  do  hereby  declare  Nominate  &  associate 
him  the  s*^-  Reverend  M'"  Ruggles  a  Trustee  of  the  s^- 
Collegiate  School,  &  shall  accept  his  signing  mth  our- 
selves any  of  o^  Acts  a  Satisfying  assurance  of  his  Ac- 
ceptance? Both  these  questions  Resolved  in  y«  affirma- 
tive &  Signed  per  us 

Joseph  Webb  James  Noyes 

John  Davenpokt       Moses  Noyes 

Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 

5.  Whereas  there  was  a  Question  propounded  to  the  Trus- 
tees at  their  meeting  on  Octob^  17*^  1716  in  these  words 
viz*-  Whether  Considering  the  Difficulties  of  Continuing 
the  Collegiate  School  of  Connecticut  Colony  at  Say- 
brook  appearing  to  us.  We  the  Trustees  of  s*^-  School 
agree  that  the  said  Collegiate  School  be  now  removed 
from  Saybrook  to  Newhaven,  &  that  the  said  Collegiate 
School  be  settled  at  Newhaven  as  a  very  convenient  place 
for  it,  &  for  which  the  most  Liberal  Donations  are  given 
appearing  to  us,  as  well  as  on  many  other  Considera- 
tions, &  it  is  now  Settled  at  Newhaven  accordingly.    The 


142  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 


Question  Resolved  &  Voted  in  the  Affirmative :  also  the 
said  Question  was  propounded  on  April  the  5*^  1717, 
&  then  confirmed  &  Resolved  affirmatively  by  Six  Trus- 
tees Signing  it :  and  also  the  s^-  Question  propounded  on 
Sept.  13*^  1717  &  then  confirmed  &  Resolved  affirma- 
tively by  six  Trustees  Signing  it :  And  now  the  same  is 
propounded  to  the  Trustees  of  this  present  Meeting, 
whether  the  said  Question  so  Confirmed  be  also  now 
agreed  upon  &  Confirmed  by  o^-  full  Act,  All  of  us  now 
present  fully  Concurring  in  the  Settlement  of  the  said 
School  at  New  haven:  which  is  now  Resolved  in  the 
affirmative 

N  Haven.  Oct.  31.  1717 

James  Notes, 

Moses  Noyes,  considering 

present  circumstances 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 

All  the  Memoirs,  heads,  and  Acts  passed  at  the  Meeting 
of  the  Trustees  on  April  5*^  1717,  from  these  letters  & 
numbers  viz^  [No.  7]  all  along  unto  the  Conclusion  of  the 
Doings  of  s<i-  Meeting,  having  been  duly  read  &  con- 
sidered at  this  present  meeting  are  all  &  Every  of  them 
accepted  agreed  upon  &  Consented  that  they  stand  valid. 
Voted  fully  in  the  affirmative. 
Octob^-  31,  1717. 

James  Noyes 
Moses  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Tho^  Ruggles 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  143 

7.  Whether  the  Trustees  Convened  fully  appoint  &  Impower 
M*"  Andrew  Recto^,  &  any  two  or  three  Trustees  to  fur- 
nish the  School  with  a  Tuto''  or  Tutor's,  as  Shal  be  needful 
for  the  Collegiate  School  at  New  haven,  until  further  ord^ 
from  the  Trustees?  Voted  in  the  affirmative  by  M""  J. 
Noyes  M^  Mos.  Noyes,  M^  Andrew  M^"  Russel  M^"  Webb 
M^"  Ruggles 

8.  Whether  the  Trustees  impowered  in  pursuance  of  the 
preceding  Vote  are  directed  &  ordered  to  use  all  fair  & 
Equal  Measures  in  order  to  obtain  M''  Elisha  Williams  of 
Wethersfield  to  be  the  Senior  Tutor  of  the  s<^-  Collegiate 
School.    Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

9.  Whether  the  Letter  drawn  to  our  honble  Patron  Jere- 
miah Dumm^  Esq.  be  signed  by  the  Trustees  Convened  & 
Present.    Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

10.  Whether  the  hundred  pounds  this  year  given  by  the 
Gen^-  Assembly  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School 
be  distributed  to  Wethersfield  &  Saybrook  their  parts  as 
well  as  to  NHaven  their  part,  to  say  to  NHaven  for 
thirteen  Scholars  £41.18.874  to  Wethersfield  for  fourteen 
Scholars  £45.3.2%  to  Saybrook  for  four  Scholars 
£12.18.%.    Voted  fully  in  the  affirmative. 

11.  Whether  the  s*^-  Trustees  impowered  as  above  be  desired 
&  ord^ed  to  give  notice  to  the  two  Junior  Classes  at 
Wethersfield  to  appear  &  attend  their  Exercises  in  sd 
School  at  Newhaven  &  the  Residue,  if  occasion  require. 
Voted  affirm. 

At  this  Meeting  also  y®  Trustees  nominate  &  make  Choice  of 
S^  Johnson,  to  be  a  Tutor  of  y^  Collegiate  School ;  who  appear- 
ing before  this  Board  declared  his  acceptance  of  s*^-  office. 

It  is  agreed  &  ordered,  that,  the  Building  of  a  Collegiate 
School  &  also  A  House  for  a  Rector  in  New-Haven  be  under- 
taken w*^  all  convenient  Speed. 

It  is  Agreed  &  Voted  that  the  HonouraW^  o^  Governour  w*^ 
o'"  Deputy  Govern'"  be  intreated  to  favour  us  with  their  advice 
concerning  the  Architechtonick  part  of  the  Building  of  the 
Collegiate  House  &  Rectors  House. 


144  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

Agreed — y*  the  Reverend  M^  Samuel  Andrew  of  Milford  be 
y«  Rector  of  the  Collegiate  School  for  the  present  &  untill  a 
Settled  Rector  shall  be  fixed  in  y^  School  (which  we  will 
endeavour  with  all  convenient  Speed)  often  to  visit  &  inspect 
s<^-  School. 

The  Trustees  nominate  &  choose  M^"  Sam^  Smith  to  be  a 
Tutor  of  y^  said  Collegiate  School  &  in  Case  of  Mr  Smith's 
non  Acceptance  of  s*^-  Office  it  is  Agreed  y*  then  the  Rector 
with  any  two  of  y®  Trustees  besides  have  Power  to  supply  y® 
Place  of  a  Tutor  untill  y«  next  Meeting  of  the  Trustees. 

Voted  y*  M^"  Andrew,  M^  Russel,  M^  Webb,  M^*  Davenport,  & 
M^  Ruggles  be  the  Committee  of  y^  Trustees,  to  inspect,  order 
&  direct  y^  Buildings  afores<^-  of  the  Collegiate  House  &  y* 
Rectors  House  at  New  Haven. 

And  it  is  further  Voted  y*  a  Major  Part  of  j^  s^-  Trustees 
Committee  shall  have  a  Power  to  act  in  Relation  to  s^- 
Buildings. 

Agreed  y*  M^  Warham  Mather,  Capt.  Joseph  Whiting,  & 
M'*  John  Ponderson  Jun^-  all  of  New  Haven  be  &  hereby  are 
appointed  a  Committee  together  with  M^  Jonathan  Law  of 
Milford  &  Capt  John  Hall  of  Wallingford  who  are  desired  to 
give  also  y^  Assistance  as  often  as  jy-  may  with  Convenience 
to  have  y^  Oversight  &  Ordering  of  y®  Buildinges  for  y^  sd 
Collegiate  School  &  y®  Rector  with  all  convenient  Speed 
according  to  y®  Advice  &  Directions  from  time  to  time  given 
by  y«  Committee  of  y®  Trustees  appointed  by  y^  Meeting. 

Voted  y*  M^  Russel,  M^  Webb,  M^  Davenport  &  M^  Ruggles 
shall  attend  a  Quarterly  Visitation  of  y^  Collegiate  School 
each  of  'em  wherein  a  Sermon  is  desired  to  be  delivered  to 
y«  Students  by  y^  Visitants  in  their  respective  Times. 

Voted  y*  y®  Reverend  M^  Stephen  Buckingham  be  chosen 
a  Trustee  of  the  Collegiate  School. 

Whether  y^  Trustees  convened  fully  appoint  &  impower  M^ 
Andrew  Rector  &  any  two  or  three  of  y®  Trustees  to  furnish  y^ 
School  with  a  Tutor  or  Tutors  as  shall  be  needful  for  y^ 
Collegiate  School  at  New  Haven  untill  further  order  from 
y^  Trustees.    Voted  in  y^  Affirmative. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  145 

Whether  j^  Trustees  impowered  in  Pursuance  of  y^  pre- 
ceding Vote  are  directed  &  ordered  to  use  all  fair  &  equal 
measures  in  Order  to  obtain  M^  Elisha  Williams  of  Weathers- 
field  to  be  ye  Senior  Tutor  of  y®  s^-  Collegiate  School.  Voted 
in  the  Affirmative. 

Whether  y^  Letter  drawn  to  our  Hon^^^  Patron  Jeremiah 
Dummer  Esq.  be  signed  by  y^  Trustees  convened  &  present. 
Voted  in  y^  Affirmative. 

Whether  y^  Hundred  Pounds  y^  Year  given  by  y®  gen^ 
Assembly  to  y^  Trustees  of  y*  Collegiate  School  be  distributed 
to  Wethersfield  &  Saybrook  y^  Parts  as  well  as  to  New  Haven 
y^  Part,  say  to  New  Haven  for  thirteen  Scholars  £41.18.8% 
to  Wethersfield  for  fourteen  Scholars  £45.3.2%  to  Saybrook 
for  four  Scholars  £12.18.%.    Voted  fully  in  y«  Affirmative. 

Whether  y«  s*^-  Trustees  impowered  as  above  be  desired  & 
ordered  to  give  Notice  to  y®  two  Junior  Classes  at  Wethers- 
field to  appear  &  attend  y^  Exercises  in  s*^-  School  at  New 
Haven  &  y«  Residue  if  Occasion  require.  Voted  in  y^  Affirma- 
tive. 

Testis  John  Davenpobt  Scribe. 


LXXXII.    Resolves  of  the  Connecticut  General 

Assembly 

October  31,  1717 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  pi3.  30,  38, 

Hartford,  1872] 

Att  a  Generall  Assembly  held  at  New  Haven. 

A  Question  being  put,  whether  under  the  present  circum- 
stances of  the  affairs  of  the  Collegiate  School,  the  Revernti- 
Trustees  be  advised  to  proceed  in  that  affair,  and  finish  the 
House,  they  have  built  in  New  Haven,  for  the  Entertainment 
of  the  Schollars  belonging  to  the  Collegiate  School :  Resolved 
in  the  affirmative 

Resolved  by  this  Assembly,  That  in  lieu  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  pounds  in  pay  formerly  granted  by  this  court  for 


146  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY [1717 

the  encouragement  of  the  collegiate  school,  and  to  be  drawn 
out  of  the  publick  treasury,  there  shall  be  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  pounds  in  bills  of  publick  credit  distributed  among 
those  that  have  instructed  the  scholars  belonging  to  the  colle- 
giate school,  the  year  past,  both  at  Wethersfield,  New  Haven 
and  Seybrook,  in  proportion,  according  to  the  number  of 
scholars  taught  by  them. 


LXXXIII.    Letter  of  the  Trustees 

October  31,  1717 

[From  the  original  draft  in  the  University  Archives] 

This  letter  was  addressed  to  Jeremy  Diunmer,  the 
Colony  Agent  in  London.  It  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the 
Rev.  John  Davenport,  of  Stamford,  and  the  signatures 
are  autographs. 

Right  WorP-full  Sir 

We  have  Remaining  grateful  Resentments  of  y^-  Generous 
Donation  of  an  handsome  Number  of  Books  to  furnish  o^- 
Library,  indeed  not  yet  prepared.  We  are  in  hopes  of  having 
shortly  perfected  o^-  Splendid  Collegiate  House,  which  was 
raised  on  the  8*^-  Instant.  We  behold  its  fair  Aspect  in  the 
Market-place  of  New-haven,  mounted  in  an  Eminent  place 
thereof,  in  length  ten  Rods,  in  breadth  21  foot,  &  near  thirty 
foot  upright,  a  Spacious  hall,  &  an  Equally  Spacious  Library, 
All  in  a  little  time  to  be  Splendidly  compleated.  It  was  some 
months  past  farr  from  our  tho'ts,  that  the  House  would  have 
been  built  in  any  other  Town  than  Saybrook;  but  great  Dis- 
satisfaction taken  by  some  of  our  own  Number  hath  occa- 
sioned a  Dark  Cloud  of  Reflexion  on  that  place  as  Unfit  for 
the  School,  by  whom  also  vigorous  Endeavo^^-  have  been  used, 
that  hartford  or  some  place  near  it  might  be  the  Seat  of 
Literature  in  o^-  Colony,  which  all  of  us  underwritten  could 
not  admitt  as  Convenient  for  the  so  great  Distance  from  the 
Sea-Side. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  147 

Wherefore  Necessity  obliging  us  to  Remove  it  from  Say- 
brook,  the  Greater  part  by  farr  of  Our  Number  have  agreed 
upon  the  Large  &  Pleasant  Town  of  New-haven  to  be  the  kind 
Alumna  to  bear  in  her  Arms,  &  cherish  in  her  Bosom  the 
Infant  Nursery  of  Learning  in  Our  Government. 

We  easily  perswade  ourselves.  The  Design  of  yo"^-  Liberal 
Donation  was  to  lend  a  Generous  hand  to  advance  the  Interest 
of  Learning  in  Our  Colony  &  particularly  to  brighten  the 
Countenances  of  the  Trustees,  under  whose  Oversight  the 
School  hath  flourisht  &  we  hope,  yet  will :  not  to  furnish  many 
illiterate  families  in  Saybrook  with  a  stock  of  Books  each, 
as  We  have  heard  the  uneasy  spirits  of  that  Town  incline  & 
seem  resolved,  from  an  Opinion  that  yo^-  Donation,  Right 
WorP-full  Sir,  is  the  Propriety  of  the  School  in  that  Place; 
which  if  yo^-  Intention  Justify,  we  are  sorry,  that  y^  Shelves 
of  our  ffamous  Library  should  appear  ashamed  for  want  of 
yo''-  Books  further  to  beautify  them. 

The  affair  of  o^-  School  hath  been  in  a  Condition  of  Preg- 
nancy. Painfull  with  a  mtness  have  been  the  Throwes  thereof 
in  this  General  Assembly.  But  we  just  now  hear,  that  after 
the  Violent  Pangs  threatning  the  Very  life  of  the  Babe,  Divine 
Providence  as  a  kind  Obstetrix  hath  mercifully  brought  the 
Babe  into  the  World,  &  behold  a  Man-child  is  born,  whereat 
We  all  Rejoyce,  &  when  Yo^-  Hono^-  heareth  the  Same,  We  are 
perswaded,  that  yo^-  Hono^-  will  bear  a  part  in  Our  Joy,  that, 
with  the  Countenance  &  Concurrence  of  the  Gen^-  Assembly, 
both  of  the  Upper  &  Lower  House  the  Carrying  on  of  the 
Collegiate  house  in  this  Celebrated  Town  of  New-haven  be 
proceeded  on  &  forwarded  &  finished  by  the  Care  of  the 
Trustees  with  all  Convenient  Speed.  Now  We  Rejoyce  that 
our  Settling  the  Collegiate  School  at  N  Haven  is  favoured 
with  so  Ample  Approbation  as  that  of  the  two  Houses,  &  now 
there  is  an  hopeful  Prospect  of  the  Peace  of  the  Colony,  which 
hath  been  so  threatned  on  said  Settlement,  We  shall  also 
rejoyce  to  understand  by  a  Line  from  yo'"-  Hono'"-,  that  we 
have  not  mistaken  yo^-  Donation  to  be  made  unto  the  Trustees 
for  the  use  of  the  Collegiate  School,  wherever  the  same  were 


148  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

finally  settled,  &  particularly  at  N  Haven,  the  place  of  the 
Remains  of  an  assured  ffriend  of  yo''-  Hono^-,  the  Reverend 
M'"-  Pierpont,  a  most  obliging,  capable  &  Industrious  Under- 
taker for  the  School,  dec*^-,  whose  great  Serviceableness  we 
cannot  loose  the  Sence  of.  We  cheerfully  &  gratefully 
acknowledg  the  many  kind  offices  of  the  Liberal  Benefacto"- 
of  0^-  School,  &  shall  with  all  thankfulness  receive  further 
Donations  of  Such  Generous  Gentlemen,  who  thro  the  Influ- 
ence of  Heaven  may  cast  a  Smiling  Aspect  upon  our  Nursery. 
We  shall  not  give  further  trouble  now,  after  unfeigned  wishes 
of  yo^-  Hono^^-  prosperity,  &  acknowledgment  that  we  are 

Right  Worshipful  Sir 

Yo'"-  most  obliged  &  most  humble  Servants 

James  Notes 
Samuel  Andkew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenpoet 
N  Haven  Oct.  31,  1717. 


LXXXIV.    Historical  Remaeks  Concerning  the 
Collegiate  School 

begun  November  20, 1717,  and  continued  at  intervals 
to  June,  1719 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author,  Samuel  Johnson,  a  native  of  Guilford,  was 
graduated  in  1714,  and  entered,  in  October,  1716,  on  a 
Tutorship,  which  he  filled  until  September,  1719,  when  he 
was  called  to  settle  in  the  ministry  in  West  Haven.  His 
later  career  as  an  Episcopal  missionary  in  Stratford,  and 
as  President  of  Kings  College,  is  well  known. 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 149 

Some  Historical  Remarks 

Concerning  the  Collegiate  School  of  Connecticutt 

IN  New  Haven 

Written  in  part  Nov.  20,  1717,  per  S.  Johnson. 

It  was  15  y"-  agoe  namely  the  9*^-  day  of  Octobr-  1702  That 
Several  Worthy  Gentlemen  of  this  Colony  of  Connecticut, 
Considering  the  want  of  Learning  and  Learned  men  both  in 
Chh  &  State,  and  the  Great  Difficulty  &  extream  Charges  of 
Educating  Children  at  Harvard  Colledge  in  Cambridge,  it 
being  so  very  remote  from  us,  &  the  Like,  did  prefer  a  petition 
before  the  Gen^^-  Assembly  of  this  Colony  for  Licence  to  Erect 
a  Collegiate  School  for  the  Instructing  Young  Men  in  the 
Liberal  Arts  &  Sciences,  which  They  by  virtue  of  thier  power 
by  Charter  from  the  Crown  of  Great  Brittain  might  Grant. 
Whereupon  The  Assembly  taking  it  into  Consideration  saw 
Cause  to  make  an  Act,  Grant  or  Charter  therein  Conveying 
full  right,  Liberty  &  Priviliege  to  these  Gentlemen,  to  Erect, 
forme  &  Direct  such  a  School,  in  Such  Convenient  place  or 
places  as  to  y™-  should  seem  most  meet,  &  in  a  word  committed 
the  whole  of  the  Affaire  to  them  to  be  mannaged  according  to 
thier  best  Discretion  as  by  y'"-  Charter  appears. 

These  Venerable  Gentlemen,  Trustees  pursuant  to  thier 
Act,  met  together  sundry  Times  faithfully  Consulting  &  de- 
termining what  should  be  most  Convenient  to  be  done  in  the 
Affair  and  first  If  I  misremember  not  at  SayBrook  and  Chose 
a  Rector  viz  M^-  Israel  Chauncey  of  Stratford,  agreeing  (at 
least  a  Maj^-  part  of  them)  that  the  School  should  be  at  Say- 
Brook,  &  that  Mr-  Chauncey  remove  his  family  thither.  But 
Mr-  Chauncey  declining  it  they  then  chose  M^"-  Abraham  Pier- 
son  of  Kennelsworth  and  Concluded  that  for  as  much  as  they 
had  not  Sufficient  Money  to  build  directly  at  SayBrook  there- 
fore the  Students  (as  many  as  did  Appear)  should  repair  to 
Kennelsworth  till  providence  should  further  open  a  Door  for 
the  Settlement  of  y^  School,  intending  when  that  should  be 
to  Consummate  the  Settlem*-  of  it  at  SayBrook.  Whereupon 
they  founded  Laws  and  Orders  for  the  Governm*-  &  mannag- 


150  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

ing  of  the  School,  &  Chose  M^-  Moses  Noyes  &  Sam^i-  Russel 
Trustees,  &  there  appearing  some  number  of  Students  they 
Chose  M^"-  Dan^-  Hooker  of  H.  Coll.  to  assist  M^-  Pierson  in 
Instructing  and  Governing  the  Students  as  Tutor,  who  after 
Some  Abode  in  y^  Work,  leaving  it,  they  Chose  M^"-  Jn^-  Hart, 
to  be  the  Tutor  who  with  M^-  Pierson  pursued  the  Instruction 
of  Youth  for  2  or  3  years.  Good  Education  being  now  attain- 
able in  the  School,  &  after  his  Departure  into  the  Ministry 
M^-  Phineas  Fisk  was  Chosen  to  assist  as  Tut^-  about  y®  y^- 
1706.  &  so  things  continued  Till  some  Time  the  next  y^-  (If 
I  am  right  informed)  The  Rev'^-  M^-  Pierson  Died.  W^upon 
the  Rev<i-  Trustees  met  together  to  Consult  the  Affairs  of  the 
School,  &  Chose  the  Reverend  Presbyter  M^"-  Samuel  Andrew 
of  Milford  to  be  the  Rector  Ordering  part  of  the  Schollars  to 
wait  on  him  for  thier  Instruction  at  Milford  till  the  End  of 
the  Year;  M""-  Fisk  by  the  Order  of  Some  of  them  with  the 
Other  Classes  going  over  to  SayBrook  where  they  had  de- 
signed to  be,  &  thus  it  Continued  till  Commencem*-  2^  Week  in 
Sept.  when  the  Reverend  Trustees  met  &  Chose  M^-  Hale  of 
Harv'i-  Coll.  to  assist  M^"-  Fisk  at  SayBrook  without  a  resident 
Rector,  M^-  Andrew  attending  only  at  Commencements,  & 
managing  them;  And  thus  Affairs  were  till  next  year  when 
M^-  Hale  upon  some  uneasiness  went  away  and  they  chose 
M^"-  Azariah  Mather  to  be  Colleague  w*^-  M^"-  Fisk  who  con- 
tinued with  him  in  y®  Work  till  Commencm*-  1710  when  (M^- 
Buckingham  the  Past'"-  of  SayBrook  Chh  dying)  M'*-  Mather 
was  chosen  thier  Pastor  in  his  room  &  ordained,  upon  which 
The  Rev<^-  Trustees  chose  M^-  Joseph  Noyes  Tutor  w*^-  M^- 
Fisk  (&  M^"-  Ruggles  Trustee)  who  with  M^-  Fisk  Managed 
the  Affairs  of  the  School,  till  Commencm*-  1713  when  M^"- 
Fisk  left  the  School,  being  called  to  Hadam,  &  thereupon  the 
Trustees  chose  M^"-  William  Russel  Tutor,  and  he  continued 
at  the  School  that  year  at  the  End  Wof  (his  Father  y^  Minis- 
ter at  Middletown  having  died)  he  was  called  to  the  Ministry 
in  his  room  When  at  Commencement  1714  The  Trustees  chose 
Mr-  Samii-  Russel  Tut'*-  w*^-  M^*-  Noyes,  and  M'"-  Jn^-  Davenport 
Trustee   (In  M'"-  Russel 's  room,)    and  by  those  two  Tut"- 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  151 

affairs  were  managed  that  year,  till  the  next  Commencm*- 
Sept.  1715  in  w«-  year  by  the  bountiful  &  liberal  Donation  of 
Divers  well  Spirited  Gentlemen  in  Brittain  procured  By  M^- 
Jeremiah  Dummer  Agent  for  this  Colony,  we  had  a  very 
valuable  and  considerable  Library  of  Choice  Books  Sent  to 
us.  And  at  this  Commencm*-  M'"-  Noyes  was  called  to  New 
Haven  in  the  room  of  the  Venerable  Trustee  M"*-  James  Pier- 
pont,  &  M'"-  Benjamin  Lord  was  chosen  Tutor  w*^-  M'"-  Russel. 
The  next  Winter  after  w<^-,  in  Decemb^-  or  Jan^'y,  there  arose 
an  unhappy  Dissention  in  the  Colledge,  the  Schollars  finding 
fault  with  thier  Tutors,  (W^-  tho'  rather  too  young  yet  un- 
worthy of  the  Aspertions  cast  on  them  by  the  Schollars,)  as 
Insufficient  and  this  Murmuring  of  the  Unruly  &  Ungoverned 
Schollars  advanced  to  a  Great  heigth  blown  up  (as  was  on  but 
too  good  Grounds  thought)  by  some  Gentlemen  up  on  Con- 
necticut River,  &  also  by  some  belonging  to  Saybrook  Town, 
who  wished  not  well  either  to  the  School's  being  at  SayBrook, 
or  to  the  Tutors  or  both.  As  also  great  fault  was  found  with 
SayBrook  as  a  place  not  Suitable  for  the  School,  &  thus  the 
Tut^s.  were  disgraced  &  the  Town  became  odious  throughout 
the  Colony — &  this  mutiny  could  not  be  heald  tho  many  Gentle- 
men took  pains  with  the  Schollars  for  y*-  End. 

Affairs  being  thus  The  Trustees  agreed  to  meet  at  Say- 
Brook April  1  week  1716  to  Endeavour  the  Reconciliation  of 
this  Difference,  present  M^^-  James  Noyes,  Moses  Noyes, 
Samuel  Andrew,  Samuel  Russel,  Timothy  Woodbridge,  Tho^- 
Buckingham,  Tho^-  Ruggles,  who  made  diligent  Enquiry  con- 
cerning the  Causes  of  y®  Disturbances,  and  what  was  alledged 
was  the  Insufficiency  of  y®  Tutors,  and  altho'  all  that  was 
alledged  against  them  was  Judged  not  Sufficient  to  obliege  y® 
Trustees  to  make  another  Choice  or  any  further  provision  for 
y®  Instruction  of  y^  School,  yet  that  they  might  make  things 
the  more  Easy,  they  allowed  the  Dissatisfied  Schollars  to 
repair  to  such  instructors  as  they  might  be  satisfied  in,  till  y^ 
Commencement,  where  yy  pleased — and  Ordered  in  y^  mean 
time  that  Buildings  might  go  forward  at  SayBrook,  hoping 
that  might  quiet  the  Schollars. 


152  DOCUMENTAKY  HISTORY  [1717 

Immediately  upon  this,  many  of  y®  Schollars  repaired  to 
thier  respective  homes  &  w^-  they  might  have  Instruction  to 
thier  minds,  a  considerable  number  of  them  gathering  at 
Wethersfield,  Some  of  y^  Trustees  expecting  things  might  be 
making  ready  for  y^  buildings.  Instead  thereof  y^-  was  the 
next  May  an  unaccountable  petition  presented  to  y®  Gen^^- 
Court,  representing  the  State  of  y^  School  &  desiring  that  it 
might  be  removed  from  SayBrook  &  Settled  at  Hartford, 
which  caused  a  mighty  Commotion  in  y«  Assembly,  «&  great 
Concern.  The  Trustees  were  sent  for  to  y^  Court,  and  of 
y™-  came  M^-  Russel,  M^-  Webb,  M*"-  Davenport  &  Mr.  Ruggles, 
M^-  Woodbridge  &  M^-  Buckingham  being  then  present.  They 
two  last  had  preferred  that  strange  and  irregular  petition, 
unknown  to  the  other  Trustees.  The  Trustees  thus  met  at 
Hartford  consulted  &  conferred  with  the  Assembly,  opposing 
M^-  Woodbridge  &  M^-  Buckingham  thier  petition,  &  Desiring 
the  Assembly  not  to  take  it  to  y^-  Consideration  till  Octo^^- 
Court  at  N.  Haven  &  agreed  that  unless  they  could  Universally 
agree  on  y^  next  Commencm*-  where  y®  School  should  be 
Built,  then  they  would  Desire  the  Assembly  to  nominate  a 
place  for  it,  and  thus  Matters  being  in  Suspence,  a  few 
Schollars  remained  under  M''-  Russel  &  Lord  at  Saybrook,  & 
that  Summer  M^-  Lord  seing  how  things  were  disposed,  laid 
down  his  post,  M^"-  Russel  yet  continuing  till  Commencm*- 
Sept.  1716  when  he  laid  down  his  also.  At  this  Time  the 
Trustees  consulted  further  w*-  to  do  relating  to  the  Settlem*- 
of  the  School.  Those  that  were  not  present  at  Hartford  dis- 
sented from  the  Agreem*-  then  made,  and  they  made  attempts 
to  Settle  it  by  thier  Agreem*-  on  Saybrook,  But  M^"-  Wood- 

b ge  &  M^-  B ^m  voted  for  Hartford,  but  not  being 

able  to  bring  any  thing  to  pass  they  agreed  to  meet  at  N. 
Haven  Oct.  1716  at  the  Time  of  the  Genii-  Court,  then  &  there 
to  determine  where  the  School  should  be  Setled.  And  it  may 
be  remarked  that  between  the  May  &  Octob^-  Courts,  there 
were  various  Towns  w^-  bid  for  the  School — Saybrook  12  or 
1400  pounds,  Hartford  endeavoured  but  could  make  no  hand 
of  getting  Money,  at  least  not  so  much  as  they  could  think 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  153 

worth  ye  mentioning,  At  N.  Haven  were  15  or  2000^^  gathered 
by  Subscriptions,  hoping  on  each  hand  that  the  Money 
gathered  might  be  a  temptation  to  bring  y«  School  y®- 

Things  having  been  at  Commencm*-  reduced  to  the  posture 
mentioned,  the  Trustees  having  agreed  so  to  doe,  met  accord- 
ingly at  N.  Haven  at  y«  Time  of  y^  Gen"-  Court  Oct.  1716, 
present  M^-  Moses  Noyes,  M""-  Sam"-  Andrew,  Samuel  Russel, 
Joseph  Webb,  Timothy  Woodbridge,  Tho^-  Buckingham,  Jn^- 
Davenp*-,  Tho.  Ruggles,  &  because  the  Elder  of  y®  Trustees 
dissented  from  the  Hartford  act,  having  not  been  legally 
warned  to  y^  Meeting,  Therefore  the  first  Question  was, 
whither  that  Act  of  universality  made  at  Hartford  was  binding 
&  whither  therefore  they  were  oblieged  to  address  the  Gen"- 
Court?    This  Question  considered  was  voted  in  y«  negative 

by  all  but  M^"-  W ge  &  M^-  B m — &  the  Upper  House 

was  consulted  w*^-  what  to  do  who  advised  by  no  meanes  to 
address  the  lower  House.  This  Act  thus  being  disolved  the 
Seaside  Gentlemen  lookd  on  themselves  free  from  all  obliga- 
tion to  address  the  Assembly  and  therefore  the  Question 
returned  whither  the  School  should  be  removed  from  Say- 
Brook,  considering  the  Circumstances  of  it,  &  the  Odium 
brought  on  SayBrook,  and  the  difficulty  of  procuring  In- 
struct^^.  &  Govern^s.  for  it  &c?  (now  herein  all  agreed  but  M^- 
Noyes  the  Moderator)  &  if  so  whither  it  be  moved  from  Say- 
Brook  &  Settled  at  New  Haven  &  this  was  voted  in  y^  affirma- 
tive by  the  Rev*i-  Messieurs  M^-  S.  Andrew,  Russel,  Webb, 

Davenpt-  &  Ruggles,  M^-  W ge  &  B m  against  it,  M""- 

Noyes  for  it  if  it  must  be  necessarily  removed  from  Saybrook, 
which  necessity  he  could  not  see.  Thus  therefore  5  against  3, 
being  so  great  a  majority  the  Seaside  Trustees  esteemed 
reasonably  the  School  was  Settled  at  N.  Haven  &  therefore 
proceeded  to  conclude  for  the  Buildings  &  many  acts  were 
passed  relating  to  them  &  they  chose  M""-  S.  Buckingham  of 

Norwalk  Trustee  &  M''-  Sam"-  Smith  &  S Job n  Tutors 

&  the  latter  accepted  &  the  former  M""-  Smith  was  sent  to,  & 
engaged  to  come,  &  thus  things  were  hopefully  settled,  the 
Schollars  of  y^  Seaside  &  two  from  the  upper  County  repaired 


154  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

to  N.  Haven  &  the  young^-  Tutor  accordingly  came  to  do  his 

part   &  got   into   a   posture   of  business.     M^"-   W ge   & 

B m  did  indeed  go  to  the  Court  but  got  nothing  effected  & 

thier  dissatisfaction  remained,  &  under  their  Influence  M^- 
Smith  was  supposed  to  neglect  coming,  &  y®  next  news  was 
he  would  not  come  but  the  upriver  Schollars  gathered  at 
Wethersfield  and  were  instructed  by  him  &  M^-  Williams  all 
y6  year — rebelling  against  y«  Rev^  Trustees,  &  under  this 
disappointment  the  Senior  Class  at  N.  H.  were  instructed  all 
y^  year  by  M^-  Noyes  y®  Minister  of  y^  Town  &  the  rest  under 
my  Self,  a  few  yet  residing  at  Saybrook  under  M^-  Mather. 

These    disappointments    had   indeed    a   very   melancholly 

Aspect,  &  M'"-  W ge  &  B m  contrived  a  remonstrance  in 

y^  name  of  y®  Counties  of  N.  London  &  Hartford  to  be  sent 
about  to  raise  a  faction  against  Newhaven  which  was  after- 
wards fully  answered  by  an  Antiremonstrance.  Things  were 
indeed  bad,  but  y®  Seaside  Trustees  were  resolved  to  make 
the  best  of  a  bad  market. 

The  Committee  of  y^  Trustees  for  building  an  House  met 
Several  Times  &  at  length  addressed  his  Hon^-  Gov^-  Salton- 
stall  according  to  Agreement  for  a  plan  of  y®  House  who 
accordingly  gave  it  and  provision  was  making  for  y^  building ; 
by  Jan^y-  8  1716/7  they  began  to  get  timber.  Rumors  were 
continually  heard  from  the  North,  the  remonstrance  had 
grounded  thier  Dissatisfaction  on  3  reasons,  Scil.  1.  because 
the  School  was  set  so  far  distant  from  those  two  bigger  Coun- 
ties in  a  lesser,  &  2  only  by  an  Equal  number  of  Trustees 

aledging  M''-  Mathi"-  of  W r  who  had  been  disabled  for 

many  years  to  be  one,  &  M^-  Noyes  of  Stonningtown  not  being 
present,  &  3  the  Hartford  act.  The  Trustees  y*-  were  for  N. 
Haven  did  esteem  that  the  Maj^-  part  of  y^  numb^-  present  was 
to  determine,  if  all  had  a  legal  warning,  as  y^  then  had;  but 
yet  to  answer  their  main  Argument  they  sent  to  M^-  Noyes 
of  Stonnington  who  signed  all  the  Acts  passed  in  Oct^-  with  his 
own  hand.  &  now  they  hoped  they  were  secure,  &  so  things 

rested  till  May  Gen^i-  Court  1717.    At  which  M^-  N s  of 

Lyme,  M^-  W ge  &  B ^m,  he  for  Saybrook  they  for 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  155 

Hartford,  addressed  the  Court,  that  the  School  might  be 
settled  on  y«  River  Connecticut  not  Specifying  the  place, 
they  argued  that  M^-  Noyes  of  Stonningtons  signing  was  not 
good,  &  y*-  Ml"-  Math^-  was  a  Trustee  &  that  M""-  Ruggles  of 
Guildford  was  no  Trustee,  because  chose  before  40  y-  old, 
contrary  to  Charter,  (indeed  he  was  nominated  before  40,  but 
never  accepted  nor  acted  till  after)  by  such  arguments  j7  got 
it  passed  in  the  lower  House  but  not  in  y®  upper  &  so  brought 
nothing  to  pass.  &  so  things  remained  under  y^  extream  dis- 
satisfaction till  Commencement  at  N.  Haven  Sep*-  1717,  when 
there  was  a  meeting  of  y®  Trustees  but  tho'  all  warned  yet 
only  M''-  James  Noyes,  Sam^^-  Andrew,  S.  Russell,  Jos.  Webb. 
Jn^-  Davenp*-,  Th.  Ruggles,  Steph.  Buckingham  present,  who 
all  agreed  with  one  Consent  to  what  was  done  y«  Octob'"- 
before  &  that  M^-  Ruggles  was  a  Trustee,  M^-  Buckingham  of 
Norwalk  also  agreeing  in  that,  so  that  now  things  seemed 
incontestable.  Six  Trustees  at  least,  against  five  at  most,  in 
truth  against  but  4,  &  they  agreed  that  the  rector  with  any 
two  Trustees  might  choose  another  Tutor.  And  in  the  mean 
time  the  House  was  almost  ready  to  be  raised,  and  was  raised 
in  the  first  week  of  Octob^-  following. 

But  all  this  satisfied  not  the  dissatisfied  party,  who  was 
resolved  to  make  one  Tryal  more  at  y^  Gen^^-  Court  at  N. 
Haven  Oct.  2  week  &c.  1717,  &  accordingly  it  was  moved  by 
thier  Instrum*^-  violently  in  the  loW-  House  to  send  for  the 
Trustees  &  call  them  to  Acco*-,  which  after  long  debate  it 
passed  in  the  upper  house  to  desire  y®  Trustees  to  appear  & 
they  all  came  as  one  man  accordingly.  They  at  first  en- 
deav^'d  an  Agreement  among  themselves,  but  that  proved 

impracticable,  M''-  W ge  &  B m  standing  out  to  the 

last.  And  in  the  mean  time  the  lower  House  were  passing 
votes  concerning  the  School  and  made  first  the  Competition 
between  SayBrook  &  any  other  place,  upon  w*'-  SayBrook  had 
but  Six  votes,  notwithstanding  all  the  friendship  Hartford 
Gentlemen  had  pretended  to ;  &  it  now  plainly  app'"*^-  that  they 
never  intended  SayBrook  for  the  place.  Then  the  House 
advanced  y^  Competition  between  Newhaven  and  MiddletowTi, 


156  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

and  Middletown  carried  the  vote  by  2  or  3,  but  all  this  dis- 
couraged not  the  Seaside  Trustees,  who  in  the  mean  time 
consulted  first  whither  jJ-  should  offer  any  thing  to  the  Court  1 
to  which  yy-  agreed,  &  Then  what  to  offer!  and  at  last  they 
Drew  up  answers  to  all  y®  Objections  made  against  N  Haven 
&  Justified  w*-  they  had  done,  &  in  the  mean  time  the  Upper 
house  was  determining  in  favour  of  them.  At  length  after 
many  debates,  it  was  agreed  to  dispute  it  out  before  both 
houses  which  was  accordingly  done  Saturday  Oct.  26, 
when  first  His  Hon^-  the  Gov^-  G.  Saltonstall  Esq^-  made  a 
Speech  signifying  his  Sorrow  to  se  the  difference  &  propound- 
ing the  design  of  the  present  Convention,  viz  for  the  peace- 
able issue  thereof,  prescribing  y«  method  of  y®  Debate;  ac- 
cording to  which  first  M^-  Davenport  in  the  Name  of  the  Sea- 
side Trustees  gave  a  Memorial  of  all  their  proceedings  & 
vindicated  the  same,  showing  likewise  the  Irregular  &  factious 
Managem^s.  ^p  ye  river ;  &  especially  of  the  petition  preferred 
to  y6  Genii-  Court  in  May  1716.  After  which  M^-  Woodbridge 
offered  against  what  was  alledged  &  endeavoured  y«  Vindica- 
tion of  w*-  they  had  done  up  y«  river.  To  w^-  M^-  Davenp*- 
made  answer.  The  reasons  insisted  on  in  y«  remonstrance 
&  that  of  M^-  Ruggles's  being  no  Trustee  were  to  all  impartial 
Hearers  taken  off  &  so  y«  Dispute  ended.  After  w^-  some  of 
y«  Discontented  of  y^  Lower  House  argued  that  the  Trustees 's 
Charter  intimated,  that  they  must  be  all  agreed,  or  the  School 
is  not  settled,  but  that  came  to  nothing. 

The  Upper  house  all  as  one  man  agreed  that  they  would 
advise  the  Trustees  settling  y^  School  at  N  Hav.  to  go  on  with 
it,  esteeming  thier  Cause  just  and  good,  &  they  sent  it  down 
to  y«  Lower  House,  where  y'"-  was  great  throws  &  pangs  & 
Controversy  &  mighty  Struglings;  at  length  they  put  it  to 
vote  and  there  were  six  more  for  y«  side  of  N.  Haven  than  y« 
Contrary ;  the  maj^-  part  thus  Joyning  with  the  Upper  House 
to  advise  y^  Rev*^-  Trustees  to  go  forward  with  y^  CoUedge  at 
N.  Haven.  &  thus  at  length  the  Upriver  party  had  thier  will 
in  having  y^  School  setled  by  the  Gen^-  Court,  tho  sorely 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  157 

against  y^-  will  at  N.  Haven,  but  many  own'd  themselves  fairly 
beat. 

The  Trustees  thereupon  Agreed  to  send  again  for  M'^- 
Smith  to  assist  in  Tuition,  &  for  y^  Schollars  to  come  down, 
but  to  make  all  things  easy  alowed  six  or  8  to  abide  there  till 
Spring,  &  allowed  according  to  act  of  y®  Gen^^-  Assembly,  that 
y«  Tutors  at  Wethersfield  S  SayBrook  have  thier  proportion 
of  y®  Monie  given  out  of  y®  Colony  Treasury,  and  impowred 
M'"-  Ruggles  &  M''-  Russel  jun^"-  to  go  to  Saybrook  &  demand 
the  Library  and  thus  things  were  left. 

But  after  some  Time,  the  News  was  M^-  Smith  (tho'  indeed 
he  had  been  down  &  given  encouragm*-)  would  not  come  down 

nor  any  of  y^  Scholl^^-  &  that  it  was  by  M^"-  W ges  advise, 

&  upon  M^-  Ruggles  &  M^-  Russels  demand  SayBrook  people 
refused  the  Library. 

These  things  looked  dark  &  malencholy  &  even  Spightfull  & 
malicious.  The  Committe  of  y®  Trustees  then  met  Dec.  16, 
&  entreated  M^-  S.  Russel  to  undertake  the  Tuition  of  Schol- 
lars again,  but  he  refused  and  they  at  length  prevailed  on  M^- 
Moss  of  Derby  &  M^-  Noyes  of  N.  H.  to  take  Care  of  the 
upper  Class  who  did  accordingly  &  thus  things  rested  all  the 
year,  the  Wethersfield  Schollars  yet  continuing  there.  The 
building  went  forward  a  pace,  so  that  the  Hall  S  Library 
were  finished  by  Commencement.  A  few  days  before  Com- 
encement  came  the  news  of  the  good  Success  of  some  Gentle- 
mens  endeavours  to  procure  some  Donations  from  G.  Brittain, 
for  at  Boston  arived  a  Large  Box  of  Books,  the  Picture  & 
Arms  of  K.  George  and  two  hundred  lb.  Sterling  worth  of 
English  Goods,  all  to  the  valine  of  800^^,  in  our  money,  from 
Govern^"-  Yale  of  London,  which  greatly  revived  our  hearts 
&  Disheartened  our  opposers,  who  notwithstanding  was  re- 
solved to  have  a  Commencm^-  at  Wethersfeild  and  so  had 
one  y^  same  Day  of  o"-  here,  when  they  pretended  to  Graduate 
5  of  their  Schollars,  but  we  having  so  fair  a  building  in  so 
good  a  progress  &  so  much  authority  for  the  Settlement  & 
so  much  Encouragem*-  therein  that  we  regarded  not  their 
managements,  &  was  favoured  and  Honoured  with  the  pres- 


158  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

ence  of  his  Hon^-  Gov^-  Saltonstall  &  his  Lady  &  the  Hon^ie.. 
Col.  Taylor  of  Boston  &  the  Levtenant  Gov^-  &  whole  Su- 
periour  Court  at  our  Commencem*-  Sept.  10,  1718,  where  the 
Trustees  present  (those  Gentlemen  being  present)  in  the  Hall 
of  o^-  New  Colledge  first  most  Sollemnly  named  our  Colledge 
by  the  name  of  YALE  COLLEDGE  to  perpetuate  the  Memory 
of  the  Honbie.  Gov^-  EHhu  Yale  Esq^-  of  London  who  had 
granted  so  Liberal  &  bountiful  a  Donation  for  the  perfecting 
&  adorning  of  it,  upon  which  the  Hon^^^-  ColP-  Taylor  repre- 
sented Gov^-  Yale  in  a  Speech  expressing  his  great  Satis- 
faction. 

Which  ended  we  passed  to  the  Church  and  there  the  Com- 
mencement was  carryed  on  in  which  affair  in  the  first  place 
after  prayer  an  Oration  was  had  by  the  Saluting  Orator 
James  Pierpont  &  then  the  Disputations  as  usual,  which 
concluded  The  'Bey^-  M^-  Davenport  offered  an  Excellent 
Oration  in  Lattin  expressing  their  Thanks  to  Almighty  God, 
&  M^-  Yale  under  him  for  so  public  a  favour  &  so  great  regard 
to  0^-  Languishing  School  after  w*'-  were  graduated  10  young 
men  whereupon  the  Hon^^®-  Gov^^  Saltonstall  in  a  Lattin 
Speech  congratulated  the  Trustees  on  their  Speech  and  on 
the  comfortable  appearance  of  things,  with  relation  to  their 
School. 

All  which  ended  the  Gentlemen  all  returned  to  the  Colledge 
hall  where  they  were  Entertained  with  a  splendid  Dinner, 
&  The  Ladies  at  the  same  time  were  also  Entertained  in  the 
Library,  after  which  they  sung  the  4  first  verses  in  y®  65  Ps. 
and  so  the  Day  ended.  Every  thing  was  managed  with  so 
much  Order  &  Splendour  that  the  fame  of  it  extreamly  dis- 
heartened the  Opposers  &  made  opposition  fall  before  it,  & 
an  Account  of  the  whole  whereof  was  sent  to  our  Honourable 
Patron  Gov^-  Yale. 

And  after  a  months  vacation  the  Schollars  all  repaired  to 
Colledg  again  that  had  been  here  with  the  addition  of  5  ffresh- 
men,  &  upon  the  8  of  Octob^-  M^"-  D.  Brown  (whom  the 
Trustees  had  chosen  to  assist  in  Tuition  of  the  Colledg)  with 
myself  and  as  many  Schollars  as  with  Conveniency  could, 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  159 

first  lodged  in  &  inhabited  the  CoUedg,  four  or  5  Chambers 
being  in  a  measure  finished,  &  the  next  Day  sat  the  Gen^^- 
Court.  His  Hon'"-  the  Govern^-  desired  &  had  the  Trustees 
Consent  that  the  upper  house  should  sit  in  the  Library  & 
accordingly  they  did,  and  towards  the  end  of  these  Sessions 
an  Act  was  passed  in  fav^-  of  the  Colledg  &  for  the  Encourage- 
ment thereof;  indeed  it  met  with  opposition  &  difficulty  at  first 
but  at  length  the  Thing  was  pretty  comfortably  issued  to  the 
Satisfaction  of  every  man  in  both  Houses. 

The  Act  Expressed  That  all  Controversy  about  the  School 
should  henceforth  cease,  that  the  Schollars  should  come  down 
from  Wethersfield  and  all  repair  to  N.  Haven,  That  Hartford 
should  have  600  pound  to  build  them  a  State  house  or  an 
Equivalent,  That  all  the  Books  of  the  Library  that  were  at 
Saybrook  should  be  resigned  up,  &  that  Saybrook  should  have 
90  pound  for  their  town  School  as  an  equivalent,  &  every 
one  seemed  to  be  well  satisfyed  in  what  was  done,  &  so  the 
Court  broke  up.  Upon  Oct.  30  came  Gov^-  Yales  Donation, 
with  the  Arms  &  Picture  of  K.  George.  One  thing  which  also 
dashed  the  upriver  Gentlemen  out  of  Countenance  was  that 
while  the  Gen^^-  Court  sat  the  Hon^i^-  Jahleel  Brinton  of  New- 
port was  pleased  to  bestow  100  pound  on  the  School  &  to  send 
it  do^^^l  from  Hartford  (he  being  there)  by  one  of  their  own 
Magistrates,  whereas  they  had  been  courting  him  to  have 
given  it  to  them  to  build  there,  &  besides  many  that  had 
bidden  for  the  School  there,  \\ithdrew. 

We  expected  all  things  would  have  been  easy,  but  not  long 
after  altho  some  of  the  Schollars  came  down  from  Wethers- 

feild  yet  M^-  W ge  perswaded  as  many  as  he  could  to 

continue,  &  they  returned  to  their  accustomed  managements 
under  the  pretense  of  waiting  for  a  Trustee's  Meeting  & 
whereas  M^"-  Russel  &  M^"-  Ruggles  went  over  to  Saybrook  for 
the  Library  supposing  there  would  be  no  difficulty  yet  they 
continued  to  refuse  the  Books.  Thus  both  Wethersfeild  & 
Saybrook  rebelled  against  the  Court  Acts  for  present.  But 
at  length  about  the  last  week  of  Novemb'"-  the  Schollars  came 
down  all  to  a  man  under  a  pretense  of  obedience  to  the  Court 


160  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1717 

Act  but  indeed  (as  afterward  appeared)  with  (at  least  in 
some  of  them)  a  Design  to  disgrace  our  Colledg  &  Tutors,  and 
either  to  unhorse  our  Tutu's-  &  get  Creatures  of  their  own  or 
to  return  again  &  set  up  a  School  of  their  own ;  however,  they 
came  with  a  mighty  Specious  appearance  of  Submission  & 
order.  His  Hon^"-  the  Gov^-  hearing  of  the  refusal  of  the 
Library  calls  together  the  Council  to  Saybrook  where  they 
Ordered  M'"-  Buckingham  in  whose  house  they  were  to  deliver 
y™-  but  he  refused,  then  after  pains  taken  with  him  by  per- 
swasion  to  no  purpose  they  bound  him  over  to  answer  to  the 
next  Gen^-  Court  in  an  100^^  bond,  and  immediately  ordered 
the  Sheriff  to  Siez  the  Books  who  went  accordingly  but  met 
with  such  opposition  that  he  returned  again  &  took  new  orders 
with  him  to  break  doors  &  call  assistance  which  he  did  & 
broke  the  door  of  M^-  Buckinghams  house  &  entered  &  siezd 
the  Library  &  it  was  guarded  all  night  &  provision  was  made 
next  day  for  the  Transporting  of  it  by  Carts,  but  in  the  night 
the  Carts  were  broken  &  confounded  &  oxen  turned  away; 
nevertheless  they  made  new  provision  &  the  next  day  under 
y^  Major  of  y®  County's  Conduct  they  were  transported  out 
of  Town,  &  some  of  the  opposers  that  talk'd  sausily  were 
bound  over  to  the  next  County  Court.  The  books  tho'  they 
met  with  opposition  by  the  way  in  that  some  of  the  bridges 
were  broken  up  yet  in  3  days  they  arived  at  y^  Colledg  at 
N.  Haven,  about  y^  beginning  of  Decemb^-,  but  we  found  about 
260  wanting;  however  all  we  had  being  above  a  1000  vollums 
of  choice  books  we  fixed  up  in  order  in  y^  Library. 

The  Schollars  from  Wethersfield  tarried  w*^-  an  appearance 
of  Order  (but  very  immoral  in  their  Conversation  so  that  they 
became  odious  to  the  people  of  y®  Town)  about  a  month,  when 
the  black  design  whereof  we  had  for  many  good  reasons  been 
all  along  suspicious  was  manifest,  for  by  this  time  they  had 
got  together  a  Collection  of  faults  (which  we  all  along  ob- 
served yy-  were  watching  for)  which  they  found  w*^-  the  public 
Expositions  &  Disputations  &  managem*^-  of  the  Tut^^-  & 
especially  the  two  upper  Clases  which  were  under  me  i.e.  one 
of  the  3  Senior  Sophisters  &  5  of  the  10  Jun^-  Sophisters 


1717]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  161 


leveld  their  Spight  especially  against  me  &  y®  Colledge  &  the 
Town.     Their  objections  were  sent  up  clandestinely  to  M'"- 

W ge  and  as  we  were  informed  afterwards  were  approved 

by  him  as  sufficient,  altho'  they  were  all  of  them  either 
Designed  misunderstandings  or  misrepresentations  or  else 
absolute  falshoods;  however  yy-  attaind  their  end,  for  pres- 
ently thereupon  comes  3  of  the  parents  of  the  Scholars  to 
se  how  it  was,  &  they  designed  to  have  them  away,  but  we 
sent  for  Mr-  Andrew,  M'"-  Russel  being  here,  &  they  discoursed 
the  Gentlemen  and  told  them  that  they  had  no  power  to  do 
anything  without  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees,  the^/  Judged  the 
Tntors  to  he  sufficient,  &  tho't  it  hard  that  the  Schollars  should 
be  judges  for  y^  Contrary  and  advised  them  to  keep  the 
Schollars  here  at  least  till  a  Meeting  of  y^  Trustees.  They 
went  away  with  a  pretense  to  advise  y^  Schollars  to  be  quiet, 
but  before  they  went  away  out  of  town  gave  leave  for  the 
Schollars  to  go  away.  The  Schollars  were  going  away  all  so 
fast,  but  M^-  Noyes  the  Minister  after  advising  with  the  2 
Trustees  as  abovementioned  &  Tut"  offered  to  take  care  of 
the  Jim^-  Sophisters  class  himself,  &  that  he  would  endeavour 
to  procure  M^-  Moss  to  tend  the  Seniors,  so  that  the  Sophi- 
mores  should  be  under  me  &  y*  Freshmen  under  M^-  Brown. 
They  hereupon  saw  themselves  in  a  Snare  &  sent  up  to  take 
advise  with  the  Gentlemen  above,  &  their  Messenger  took  an 
unwearied  deal  of  pains  to  perswade  the  parents  to  the  Con- 
trary &  after  10  days  returned  with  horses  for  the  Scholl^^- 
and  upon  the  10  of  Jan^y  they  all  went  away  again  but  one. 
Some  of  them  &  especially  two  of  the  Sen''-  Sophisters  who 
were  honestly  disposed  went  away  with  great  reluctancy  & 
with  a  design  to  return  again.  Thus  we  were  left  with  but 
Seventeen  Schollars,  w*^-  whom  we  yet  continued,  in  a  steddy 
course  of  business  untill  the  second  week  in  March  when  by 
Order  of  our  Hon^^^-  Gov^-  Saltonstall  there  was  a  Meeting  of 
the  Gov^-  &  Council  and  y^  Trustees  at  Newhaven,  &  his  Hon^- 
had  ordered  the  Schollars  who  went  away  so  Disorderly  to 
appear  and  give  an  Account  of  their  so  doing,  but  not  one 
appeard  nor  y«  Trustees  upon  y^  River,  whereby  it  was  plain 


162  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1717 

that  their  reasons  were  frivilous  &  such  as  themselves  were 
ashamed  of;  &  since  they  had  no  opportunity  to  inquire  into 
that  matter,  it  was  Judged  Convenient  for  the  answering  of 
all  objections  that  could  be  made  against  the  provision  that 
was  made  for  instruction  &  Governm*-,  that  there  should  be  a 
Resident  Rector  provided.  Accordingly  at  the  Advice  of  y^ 
Gov^-  &  Council  The  'Rev^-  Trustees  (justifying  &  commend- 
ing y«  Tut^s.  finding  not  the  least  fault  in  them)  chose  the 
Rev^-  Ml"-  Timothy  Cutler  y^  Minister  of  Stratford  to  be  the 
Resident  Rector  for  the  Present  till  the  next  meeting  w^- 
should  be  on  the  3^  of  June,  &  thereupon  y^  Rev^-  M^-  Cutler 
was  applj^ed  unto  by  y«  Trustees,  and  consented  to  come  over 
and  take  Care  of  y^  Colledg  till  the  next  Meeting  &  on  y^  24 
of  March  came,  &  undertook  y®  Affair  &  instructed  one  Class, 
&  the  Tufs-  Mr-  Brown  &  myself  yet  continued  also  in  the 
Colledg,  &  The  Rector  &  Tut^^.  together  conspired  in  promot- 
ing the  Instruction  &  order  of  y«  Colledg,  &  thus  things  were 
to  remain  till  the  next  Meeting,  &  the  Schollars  were  to  return 
down  to  N.  Haven  again. 

But  notwithstanding  this  provision,  yet  the  Schollars  above 
came  not  Down  but  yet  continued  under  M^-  Williams  &  Hall 
and  carried  on  their  business,  and  great  endeavours  were  used 
in  the  discontented  parts  of  y^  Governm*-  to  procure  the 
leaving  out  of  o^-  Excellent  Gov^-  Saltonstall  and  set  up  M""- 
Gould,  and  indeed  they  had  but  too  nearly  effected  it,  &  M'' 

"WToodb ge  &  M^"-  Buck m  were  chosen  Deputies  for  the 

Town  of  Hartford;  their  projection  was  that  if  M^"-  Gould 

were  at  y^  Head  of  the  upper  house  &  Mr.  W ge  of  the 

lower,  they  might  effect  something  distructive  to  the  Colledg 
at  N.  Haven. 

But  the  Election  approached  when  the  Gov^-  was  chosen  as 

before  and  their  measures  broken :  M^"-  Buck m  would  not 

set  in  the  Lower  house ;  M'"-  W d ge  came  &  upon  offer- 
ing to  take  y®  Deputies  oath  was  refused  and  voted  out  of  the 
house  by  a  major  part  of  y^  house  by  four  or  five  &  their 
objection  was  his  having  charged  the  Gov'"-  &  Council  of  the 
breach  of  the  6*^-  &  8*^-  Commands  in  what  they  had  done  at 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  163 

SayBrook  about  the  books  whereupon  he  was  tried  and  the 
Lower  house  acquitted  him  of  Defamation,  yet  he  stands  con- 
demned of  it  by  the  upper  house. ^  Thus  they  were  not  only 
disappoynted  but  defeated  in  their  designs;  and  had  no 
further  hopes,  but  the  Majority  of  both  houses  voted  the  addi- 
tion of  401b-  per  annum  to  the  Colledg  Salary  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  Rector. 

The  Trustees  met  according  to  their  agreement  on  y®  3*^ 
of  June,  some  of  them,  &  confirmed  their  choice  of  M^"-  Cutler 
&  procured  the  Subscription  of  7  or  8  Trustees  to  the  Choice 
&  offered  1401^-  per  annum,  and  agreed  y*-  some  of  their  body 
should  concert  matters  with  Stratford  about  removing  their 
Minisf-  &  M^-  Cutler  undertook  the  further  Care  of  the  Col- 
ledge,  &  in  three  weeks  time  all  the  upriver  Schollars  came 
down  again  who  for  a  month  or  two  had  been  in  no  business. 


LXXXV.    Lettek  of  Cotton  Mather 

January  14,  1718 

[From  a  copy  in  Quincy's  History  of  Harvard  Univer- 
sity, vol.  1,  pp.  524-526,  Cambridge,  1840] 

The  letter  was  addressed  to  Governor  Elihu  Yale,  of 
London. 

Boston,  New  England, 

14th  d.  11th  month,  1717-18 
Sir, 

The  Colony  of  Connecticut,  having  for  some  years 

had  a  College  at  Saybrook  without  a  collegious  way  of  living 
for  it,  have  lately  begun  to  erect  a  large  edifice  for  it  in  the 
town  of  New  Haven.  The  charge  of  that  expensive  building 
is  not  yet  all  paid,  nor  are  there  yet  any  funds  of  revenues  for 
salaries  to  the  Professors  and  instructors  to  the  society. 


1  Voluminous  papers  relative  to  this  trial  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge, 
of  Hartford,  in  1719,  are  preserved  in  the  State  Library. 


164  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

Sir,  though  you  have  your  felicities  in  your  family,  which  I 
pray  God  continue  and  multiply,  yet  certainly,  if  what  is 
forming  at  New  Haven  might  wear  the  name  of  Yale  College, 
it  would  be  better  than  a  name  of  sons  and  daughters.  And 
your  munificence  might  easily  obtain  for  you  such  a  com- 
memoration and  perpetuation  of  your  valuable  name,  as 
would  indeed  be  much  better  than  an  Egyptian  pyramid. 

We  have  an  excellent  friend,  our  Agent,  Mr.  Jeremiah 
Dummer,  who  has  been  a  tender,  prudent,  active  and  useful 

patron  of  the  infant  College  at  Connecticut He  will 

doubtless  wait  upon  you,  and  propose  to  you,  and  concert  with 
you  the  methods  in  which  your  benignity  to  New  Haven  may 
be  best  expressed. 

Nor  will  it  be  any  disadvantage  unto  your  person  or  family, 
for  a  good  people  to  make  mention  of  you  in  their  prayers 
unto  the  glorious  Lord,  as  one  who  has  loved  their  nation,  and 
supported  and  strengthened  the  seminary  from  whence  they 

expect  the  supply  of  all  their  synagogues 

I  subscribe.  Sir, 

Your  most  sincere  friend  and  servant, 
Cotton  Mather. 


LXXXVI.    Extract  feom  a  Letter  of  Jeremy 

Dummer 

March  12,  1718 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

In  your  last  Letter  you  mention 'd  the  receipt  of 

the  Catalogue  of  your  Library,  but  took  no  notice  of  having 
receiv'd  another  case  of  books  at  the  same  time,  which  how- 
ever I  hope  went  safe  to  you.  I  took  no  bill  of  Ladeing  for 
'em  because  the  Master  carryed  'em  Gratis.  I  am  endeavour- 
ing to  get  you  a  Present  from  M^-  Yale  for  the  finishing  your 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  165 

Colledge,  of  which  I  shall  write  you  more  particularly  in  a 

little  time 

I  am,  S'"-, 

The  Colony's  &  Your  very  humble  Serv*- 
Jer  Dummer. 

Lond«-  12th-  March  1717/8 

To  The  Honbie.  Gurdon  Saltonstal  Esq^- 
Governour  of  y^  Colony  of  Connecticut 


LXXXVII.    Proposal  of  the  Lower  House  of  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

May  29,  1718 

[From  the  original  Journal  in  the  Secretary  of  State's 

Office] 

This  proposal  was  not  agreed  to  by  the  Upper  House ; 
but  as  its  Journal  for  this  date  is  not  preserved,  details 
are  lacking. 

This  House  Considering  y^  Unsettled  State  of  The  Colle- 
giate School  as  represented  by  Sev^^-  of  y^  Rev^*i-  Trustees, 
&  other  of  our  Revr<i-  Elders,  &  Considering  y«  Great  Dissatis- 
faction of  y^  Country  in  Gen^-  do  conclude,  y*-  in  Order  to  its 
Flourishing  &  Having  y^  Support  of  y^-  Government,  it  must 
be  settled  somewhere  near  Connecticot  River  And  y*-  for  y« 
Present  &  untill  it  be  so  settled  the  Hundred  Pounds  Granted 
to  y^  Tutors  shall  be  Divided  between  y^  Tutors  at  Wethersf^*^- 
Saybrook  &  N.  Haven,  according  to  y®  Proportion  of  Schollars 
under  y^^-  Tuition,  &  y*-  it  be  recommended  to  y®  Rev^<^-  Trus- 
tees y*-  y®  Commencements  be  Interchangably  one  Year  at 
Wethersf^*^-  &  one  year  at  NHaven,  Till  it  be  Farther  settled  to 
ye  Satisfaction  of  y®  Assembly. — Past  in  y«  House  by  35 
Voices,  ag:  21  Voices 


166  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

LXXXVIII.    Letter  of  Timothy  Woodbridge  and 
Thomas  Buckingham 

June  2,  1718 

[From  an  early  copy  of  the  original  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Addressed  to  their  Fellow-Trustees. 

Hartford  June  2,  1718 
Rev<i-  Gent^- 

We  received  yo^^  giving  us  notice  of  y^  meeting  of  the 
Trustees  at  Gilford,  &  desiring  our  attendance  there.  Such 
is  o^-  desire  of  a  peaceable  accommodation  of  the  differences 
respecting  the  Collegiate  School  that  we  are  willing  to  take 
much  more  pains  than  that  if  we  could  have  any  prospect  of 
putting  an  end  to  them,  they  are  burthensome  to  us :  griev- 
ous to  the  Country  &  a  hurt  to  o^-  holy  Religion,  giving  the 
enemies  to  Learning  &  Religion  too  much  occasion  to  rejoice, 
&  a  breaking  of  the  bond  of  charity  between  the  good,  &  we 
think  that  it  highly  concerns  us  that  preach  y^  gospel  of  peace 
to  others  to  be  Leaders  therein  ourselves,  tis  in  vain  to 
propagate  that  we  are  the  Persons  that  make  all  the  trouble 
till  you  can  reconcile  us  to  this,  that  those  that  are  Sufferers 
are  obliged  not  only  to  bear  patiently  what  injury  is  done 
them  but  alsoe  to  be  well  pleased  with  those  y*-  doe  it,  &  that 
they  are  y^  troublers  y*-  complain  of  it.  we  o^selves  are  very 
desirous  to  doe  what  is  proper  to  us  to  end  the  disputes  &  to 
put  an  end  to  these  troubles  by  some  practical  accomodation, 
unto  w^^-  the  vote  of  the  Lower  house  this  Court  (a  Copie  of 
w^^-  is  inclosed)  doth  fairly  lead  up.  They  (as  you  will  see) 
advise  the  Trustees  to  consent  that  the  Comencements  be  inter- 
changeably held  at  Wethersfield  &  Newhaven  till  y^  place  of 
the  School  be  fully  determined.  We  freely  comply  with  y^ 
advice  &  desire  the  same  of  yo^selves,  &  are  hopefull  it  may  be 
a  very  fit  medium  to  promote  our  unity  &  peace,  w«^  we  hope 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  167 

hath  such  weight  that  you  will  as  readily  comply  with  it  as 
we  doe;  &  we  shall  (if  refused)  as  we  think  have  just  reason 
to  suppose  that  a  peaceable  composing  of  our  difficulties  in 
a  way  soe  agreable  to  the  greater  part  of  y*^  Country  is  not 
enough  at  heart  with  you  &  y*-  you  have  a  purpose  of  forcing 
others  to  a  complyance  with  you  w^^  we  cannot  think  is  a 
spirrit  should  govern  christians  much  less  the  Ministers  of  a 
peaceable  Gospel;  the  wisdom  that  is  from  above  is  pure, 
peaceable,  Gentle  &  easie  to  be  entreated.  We  look  upon 
yo^'selves  as  those  y*-  have  seperated  us  from  you,  &  that  we 
are  the  Persons  that  desire  to  be  at  unity,  &  that  strife  & 
variance  should  be  laid  aside,  if  you  see  cause  to  take  the 
above-mentioned  advice  we  shall  desire  y«  same  service  may 
be  performed  by  M'"-  Andrew  as  formerly ;  we  desire  noe  alter- 
ation there,  &  o^-  Scholars  will  readily  come  to  him  to  take  the 
usual  directions,  we  pray  these  things  may  be  well  weighed 
&  not  rejected  on  niceties  &  y*-  you  would  give  us  a  speedy 
answer  &  if  you  comply  mth  us  please  to  continue  or  adjourn 
your  meeting  to  y®  next  week  &  we  shall  endeavour  to  wait 
upon  you.  We  desire  yo^-  prosperity  &  are  yo^^.  in  the  Duties 
of  Love  &  peace. 

T.  WOODBRIDGE 

T.  Buckingham 


LXXXIX.    Letter  of  Benjamin  Colman 

June  4,  1718 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  p.  184,  Boston,  1904] 

The  writer  was  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1692, 
and  was  now  one  of  the  Fellows  of  that  Corporation, 
being  pastor  of  the  Brattle  Street  Church  in  Boston. 

The  son  of  Woodbridge  referred  to  in  this  letter  was 
Elisha  Lord,  a  child  of  Mrs.  Woodbridge  by  a  former 
husband. 


168  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

Rev'i  &  dear  Sir, 

I  hope  you  will  excuse  my  not  answering  your  last  to  me 
sooner,  remembring  what  a  busie  time  it  has  been  of  late  with 
me.  But  y*  more  I  think  &  the  more  I  have  enquired  into  ye 
Circumstances  of  your  College,  the  more  I  grow  in  my  Opinion 
that  it  is  necessary  for  the  Well-being  of  it  that  ye  Classes 
with  M^-  Williams  do  not  desert  it.  I  am  assured  also  that  it 
will  be  heavily  born  by  the  Gentlemen  Overseers  &  others  in 
Governm*  with  you,  who  have  come  into  y^  Vote  for  y^  build- 
ing at  New-haven.  And  since  ye  House  is  now  fixed  there, 
how  much  so  ever  it  might  be  desired  by  you  that  it  had  not 
been  so,  I  know  your  generous  public  spirit  will  now  dictate 
to  you  ye  best  Methods  wherein  you  may  support  &  serve  it. 
It  will  I  fear  weaken  &  dishearten  your  Accademy  when  your 
Commencement  comes  on,  if  several  Graduates,  it  may  be  of 
ye  best  Literature  should  decline  receiving  their  Honours 
from  her.  We  must  in  a  thousand  instances  deny  our  Selves 
for  y6  common  good.  I  cannot  therefore  bring  my  Self  to  be 
willing  that  any  number  of  your  Scholars  should  at  this  criti- 
cal time  offer  themselves  to  us,  but  if  your  Son  alone  do  so  I 
have  nothing  against  it,  but  shal  be  glad  of  any  Opportunity 
to  testify  my  regards,  unto  you,  &  how  much  I  am 

Rev  Sir  Your  Affectionate  humble  Servt. 

Boston.  June  4. 1718.  Benj.  Colman. 

For  the  Reverend 
M'"-  Timothy  Woodbridge 
Pastor  of  a  Church  in 

Hartford. 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  169 

XC.    Letter  of  the  Trustees 

June  5,  1718 

[From  the  original  draft  in  the  University  Archives] 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  Messrs.  Woodbridge  and 
Buckingham,  of  June  2. 

ReV*^-  Gentlemen, 

Being  convened  at  Guilford  (where  we  might  haue  hoped, 
to  meet  all  y®  Trustees  concerned  for  y^  welfare  of  y^  colle- 
giate School,  &  desirous  y*-  there  might  be  no  misunderstand- 
ings among  Gentlemen  of  such  a  character  as  hath  been  to  y® 
great  disadvantage  of  y®  holy  relligion  we  are  to  assert,  main- 
taine,  &  propagate,  as  well  as  y^  detriment  of  y^  nursery  of 
Learning  we  have  y«  care  of,  &  ought  to  secure  and  defend 
from  those  y*^-  haue  a  Spirit  against  such  means  of  Educa- 
tion,) We  found  yo^-  places  empty,  but  finally  Rec*^-  yo^- 
Lines,  were  glad  to  see  you  have  such  serious  thoughts  of  full- 
filling  y6  trust  reposed  in  you,  &  so  desirous  to  put  an  end  to 
y«  troubles  y*-  haue  been  in  y^  Goverm*-  about  y®  School.  We 
hope  we  haue  done  nothing  willingly  to  hurt  any  of  those  great 
interests  of  y®  school,  our  holy  relligion,  or  y^  credit  of  y® 
ministry,  &  these  affairs  lye  so  neare  our  hearts  y*-  w^e  shal 
not  do  any  thing  to  shut  your  selues  out  of  our  company,  nor 
yours  out  of  our  favour;  we  haue  &  shal  show  all  y®  favour 
&  condesention  to  those  y*-  are  uneasie,  as  is  consistent  w*^- 
Goverment  &  good  order,  w^ever  reports  or  surmises  may  be 
spread  abroad  to  the  contrary. 

We  cannot  see  it  consistent  w*^-  our  publick  work,  or  family 
interest,  to  continue  o^-  meeting,  or  adjourn  y®  same  to  y^ 
next  week :  But  propose  that  if  any  thing  y*-  we  can  remoue 
be  grievous  to  you,  or  you  haue  any  proposals  to  make  w^^- 
are  likely  to  be  consistent  w*^-  w*-  we  have  regularly  done  that 
you  signify  them  to  y«  Rev'"'^-  Rector  M""  Andrew,  who  may 
ex  officio  relieve  you,  or  if  need  be  speedily  call  an  other 
meeting  of  the  Rev^<^-  Trustees  to  accommodate  these  affairs. 


170  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

We  also  would  inform  that  sufficient  provision  is  made  at 
N.  haven  for  instructing  &  governing  y®  Schollars  belonging 
to  y«  School. 

We  would  always  shew  our  selues  men  of  peace,  as  we  are 
preachers,  &  desire  to  be  propagators  thereof,  &  hope  we  shal 
always  so  appear  to  persons  y*-  do  not  beleiue  all  y^  reports 
y*-  are  spread  abroad,  &  do  carefully  veiw  our  actions  &  pro- 
ceedings. Wee  being  full  of  busines  &  in  haste,  may  not  add, 
only  our  desires  y*-  our  &  your  endeauours  to  do  service  in 
the  w^orld,  &  for  our  generation  in  all  our  way  &  walk  and 
particularly  respecting  y®  School  may  be  succeeded  of  the 
Lord,  &  that  we  are  yours  in  all  X^n  bonds 

James  Noyes  in  the  name 
Guilford  June  5*1^  1718  of  the  Trustees. 


XCI.    Letter  of  Cotton  Mather 

August  25, 1718 

[From  a  copy  in  Quincy's  History  of  Harvard  Univer- 
sity, vol.  1,  pp.  526-527,  Cambridge,  1840] 

Addressed  to  Governor  Saltonstall. 

25th  d.  6th  month,  1718. 
Sir, 

'Tis  an  unspeakable  pleasure  unto  me,  that  I  have  been 
in  any  measure  capable  of  serving  so  precious  a  thing  as  your 
College  at  New  Haven. 

Governor  Yale  now  gives  you  a  sensible  proof,  that  he  has 
begun  to  take  it  under  his  patronage  and  protection.  But  I 
am  informed,  that  what  he  now  does  is  very  little  in  propor- 
tion to  what  he  will  do,  when  once  he  finds,  by  the  name  of  it, 
that  it  may  claim  an  adoption  with  him.  Yale  College  cannot 
fail  of  Mr.  Yale's  generous  and  growing  bounty.  I  confess, 
that  it  was  a  great  and  inexcusable  presumption  in  me,  to 
make  myself  so  far  the  godfather  of  the  beloved  infant  as  to 
propose  a  name  for  it.    But  I  assured  myself,  that  if  a  sue- 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  171 

cession  of  solid  and  lasting  benefits  might  be  entailed  upon  it, 
your  Honor  and  the  Honorable  Trustees  would  pardon  me, 
and  the  proposal  would  be  complied  withal. 

It  is  a  thousand  pities,  that  the  dear  infant  should  be  in 
danger  of  being  strangled  in  the  birth,  by  a  dissension  of  your 
good  people  about  the  place  where  it  shall  be  nourished  in 
the  mlderness.  But  probably  the  Yalean  assistance  to  New 
Haven  will  prove  a  decisive  circumstance,  which  will  dispose 
all  to  an  acquiescence  there 

Your  Honor's  most  sincere  servant. 

Cotton  Mather. 


XCII.    Peoceedixgs  of  the  Trustees 

September  10,  1718 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

Henry  Caner,  who  now  begins  to  figure  in  the  College 
records,  was  an  Englishman  by  birth,  a  master  carpenter 
of  reputation  in  Boston,  who  had  been  invited  to  settle 
in  New  Haven,  to  superintend  the  building  of  the  new 
College  house,  and  otherwise  to  prosecute  his  calling. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  y«  Collegiate  School  at 
Commencement  in  Newhaven.  Sept  10th  1718. 


The  Rev<i  M^  James  Noyes  was 
chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
The  Revi  John  Davenport  & 
Sam^  Russel  were  chosen  Scribes 
of  y«  Meeting. 


Present  the  Rev<i 
M'"  James  Noyes 
M^"  Samuel  Andrew 
Mr  Samuel  Russel 
M^  Joseph  Webb 
M*"  John  Davenport 
Mr  Thomas  Ruggles 
M^  Stephen  Buckingham 

Agreed  &  Ordered  that  the  following  Act  be  put  &  stand 
upon  our  Record  as  the  Act  of  us  Subscribing 


172  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

Generosissima  lionoratissimi  Domini  Elihu  Yale  Armigeri 
Donatione,  vigilantes  Scholae  Academicae  in  splendido  Novi 
Porti  Connecticutensis  Oppido  constitutaB  Curatores  ^difi- 
cium  Collegiate  inceptum  ereetumque  perficere  capaces  red- 
diti,  Honorem  tali  tantoque  Maecenati,  Patronoque  debitum 
animo  gratissimo  meditantes,  memoriamque  tanti  Beneficii 
in  lianc  prascipue  Coloniam  collati,  in  omne  JEvnm  modo  Op- 
timo perducere  studiosi ;  Nos  Curatores  Negotii  tanti  in  com- 
mune praesertim  hujus  Provinciae  populi  bonum  Momenti  Cura 
honorati  wfjuwdvfxaSov  consentimus,  statuimus,  ordinamus 
Nostras  ^des  Academicas  patroni  munificentissimi  nomine 
appellari,  atque  Yalense  Collegium  nominari  ut  haec  Pro\'incia 
diuturnum  Viri  adeo  Generosi  qui  tanta  Benevolentia  tanta- 
que  Nobilitate  in  Commodum  illorum  maximum  propriamque 
incolarum  et  in  praesenti  &  in  futuris  Saeculis  Utilitatem  con- 
suluit,  Monumentum  retineat  &  conservet. 

James  Noyes 
Moses  Noyes 
Samuel  Andrew 
Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
JoH,  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 
Stephen  Buckingham 

Agreed  &  Ordered  that  the  ReV^-  M^  Samuel  Andrew  &  W" 
Samuel  Russel  do  write  to  the  Hon^^^  QqH.  William  Tailor  & 
pray  his  hon^  to  deliver  the  Pictures,  Books,  &  Goods  which 
are  the  donation  of  y«  Hon^i^-  Elihu  Yale  Esq^  of  London  to 
this  Colledge,  to  their  order,  &  we  do  hereby  desire,  &  impower 
gd.  M^*  Andrew  &  M'"  Russel  to  receive  &  dispose  of  all  s^- 
Pictures,  Books,  &  goods  according  to  y^  true  intent  of  y« 
Hon^ie-  Dono'"-  &  at  their  discretion  to  Convert  s^-  goods  into 
moneys,  &  to  defray  all  charges  of  s*^-  goods  &c,  &  to  pay  such 
sums  as  are  due  to  M^  Caner,  &  to  transmit  the  remainder  to 
ye  School  Treasury  for  j^  service  of  y*  Trustees  w*^  all  con- 
venient Speed.    Voted  &  passed. 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  173 

We  agree  &  order  that  the  Rector  (pro  tempore)  w^^^  any  two, 
or  three  of  the  Trustees  be  impowred,  &  are  hereby  impowred 
to  carry  on  y®  Commencement  and  give  Degrees,  &  sign 
Diplomas  until  farther  Order.  Voted  &  passed. 
We  Agree,  &  Order  that  the  Rev*^  M^  Samuel  Russel,  &  M^ 
John  Davenport,  one,  or  both  of  them  Reckon  with  M'"  Caner, 
&  do  draw  out  of  the  moneys  of  this  School,  here,  or  at  Boston 
such  sums  as  are  due  to  s<^-  Caner,  &  make  him  payment,  & 
further  to  determine  s'^-  Caners  farther  imployment  about  y® 
Service  of  our  Colledge,  as  they  shall  find  best.  Voted  & 
passed. 

The  Trustees  now  Ordered  the  Treasurer  to  pay  M^  Samuel 
Johnson  Tutor  the  Sum  of  twenty  five  pounds  as  part  of  his 
Salary  for  the  past  year. 

Also  an  Order  for  four  pounds  eight  shillings  &  five  pence  to 
Cap*  Munson  as  remainder  due  for  the  Commencement  dinner. 
Agreed  &  ordered  that  the  Books  of  Noble  Benefactors  given 
to  our  Collegiate  School,  which  we  have  named  Yale  Colledge, 
being  brought  into  o^-  Colledge  Library  be  committed  to  the 
particular  care  of  j^  Senior  Tutor  for  the  time  being,  who  is 
hereby  allowed  to  Lend  to  y®  resident  Members  of  the  School, 
or  Non  residing  Schollars,  or  any  other  out  of  y«  Library  at 
no  time,  but  according  to  y®  direction  and  allowance  of  the 
Rector  for  the  time  being  untill,  further  Order  be  made  con- 
cerning the  same.  Always  excepting  the  Trustees  of  this 
Colledge,  who  reserve  to  themselves  the  Liberty  of  them. 
Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

Ordered  that  the  Rev*^  M^  Andrew  do  write  according  to  his 
direction  to  M^  Henry  flint  to  obtain  of  him  some  good  en- 
couragement that  he  will  accept  the  offer  of  a  Rectors  post  in 
our  Yale-Colledge,  our  eyes  being  upon  him  for  Rector ;  Voted 
in  the  affirmative. 

We  now  choose  M^  Daniel  Brown  of  this  Town  Junior  Tutor 
of  our  Colledge.    Voted  in  y«  affirmative. 
We  make  choice  of  Cap*  John  Munson  of  this  town  Steward 
of  Yale-Colledge.    Voted  in  the  affirmative. 
Ordered  that  the  Schollars  of  this  Colledge,  after  the  vaca- 


174  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

tion,  do  enter  &  live  in  the  house  erected,  as  many  as  shal  fill 
up  the  Rooms  prepared  for  their  reception,  under  the  Tutors 
direction.    Voted  in  the  affirmative. 

Agreed  &  Ordered  that  the  Rev*^  M'"  Samuel  Russel  be  desired 
&  impowred,  &  is  hereby  impowred  to  procure  &  make  pur- 
chase of  the  glass  &  nails,  brick,  &  what  ever  is  needful,  for 
carrying  on  the  Colledge  building,  &  to  draw  money  out  of 
y6  Treasury  of  y®  School,  or  at  Boston,  out  of  y^  Money  be- 
longing to  the  School  to  defray  the  charge  thereof.  Voted  in 
the  affirmative. 

Attest 

Sam^  Russel 


,        -r^  ,    Scribes 

J  OH.  Davenport 


XCIII.    Letters  or  Thanks  of  the  Trustees 

September  10-12, 1718 

[From  contemporaneous  copies  in  the  University 

Archives] 

The  first  two  letters  are  in  the  handv^riting  of  Tutor 
Samuel  Johnson,  with  autographed  signatures ;  the  third 
(addressed  undoubtedly  to  the  Rev.  Cotton  Mather)  is 
in  the  handwriting  of  the  Senior  Trustee,  James  Noyes. 
A  fourth  letter  was  also  written,  to  General  Francis 
Nicholson,  Governor  of  Nova  Scotia  (who  had  been  in 
close  relations  with  Connecticut  a  few  years  before  during 
his  comimand  of  the  troops  sent  against  Canada),  ac- 
knowledging a  donation  to  the  Library;  this  is  here 
omitted,  as  adding  no  i^oints  of  interest. 

The  specially  grandiloquent  style  of  the  letter  to 
Governor  Yale  may  be  explained  by  its  being  in  part  a 
version  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davenport's  Latin  oration  on  the 
Commencement  stage. 

HonWe.  S'-- 

Our  Concernment  with  the  Collegiate  School  here  gives  us 
Special  Advantages  and  lays  us  under  Deepest  Obligations 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  175 

well  to  observe  the  various  Disposals  of  Divine  providence 
thereabouts ;  &  we  may  truly  say  there  is  nothing  to  us  more 
worthy  of  our  Special  remark,  than  these  repeated  instances 
of  favour  to  our  Infant  School  from  generous  Gentlemen,  so 
remote  from,  &  so  little  interested  in  the  same,  as  those  in 
London  thro '  your  unwearied  instrumentality,  which  we  now, 
&  alwayes  acknowledge  with  deepest  Gratitude;  and  if  it  be 
(as  we  hope  it  is)  an  indication  that  our  School  shall  be  estab- 
lished a  blessing  in  the  kingdom  of  our  Great  Lord  in  these 
American  Corners  of  the  Earth ;  then  such  who  so  generously 
concern  themselves  for  its  flourishing,  shall  neither  fail  of  due 
acknowledgments  here,  nor  a  glorious  reward  in  the  Coming 
World. 

Indeed  S'"-  our  small  beginnings  ashame  us  that  we  can  no 
more  suitably  eccho  back  our  grateful  acknowledgments  from 
our  new  Hall  in  our  new  Yale  Colledg,  as  our  hearty  Acknowl- 
edgment of  our  bountiful  Benefactor,  the  Hon^^^-  Elihu  Yale, 
Esqr- 

Also  S''-  we  enjoy  now  the  Great  Satisfaction  to  view  the 
room  prepared  for  the  reception  of  your  very  valluable  Col- 
lection of  books  which  we  hope  will  shortly  adorn  the  same  at 
a  better  rate  than  any  America  can  pretend  to ;  here  we  shall 
(we  trust)  &  now  do  offer  as  our  sincere  praises  to  God,  and 
unfeigned  thanks  to  your  hon^^^-  Self  whose  name  we  shall 
always  mention  w*^-  hon^-  &  humbly  crave  we  may  still  enjoy 
your  refreshing  Aspect  upon  o^-  Colledg.  So  y'"-  hon^"-  shall 
further  add  to  the  great  Obligations  we  are  laid  under  ever 
to  subscribe  o^selves 

Y^"-  hon^^-  most  humble  &  oblieged  Servants 

James  Noyes 
N  Haven  Sept.  10*^-  1718  Samuel  Andrew 

Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
JoH.  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 
Stephen  Buckingham 
The  Hon^^e-  Jer.  Dummer 


176  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

Honourable  Sir 

We  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School  of  Connecticutt,  fixed 
in  the  Ancient  famous  Town  of  NewHaven,  have  convened  on 
our  Academical  Solemnities,  where  we  have  had  the  Honour 
done  us  of  seeing  the  names  of  the  famous  Books  sent  us  from 
yr-  Hon^-  appearing  in  the  Catalogue  of  the  Books  of  the  noble- 
spirited  Benefactors  of  our  School,  and  of  knowing  your  most 
generous  Bounty  of  a  Large  Quantity  of  very  agreeable 
Goods,  together  with  a  further  Ornament  of  choice  Books,  his 
Majesties  Picture  &  arms  are  safely  arived  at  Boston,  and  had 
the  Happiness  of  the  Hon^^^-  Coll.  Tayler,  Representing  y^- 
Hon^-,  gracing  the  Solemnities  of  our  Commencm*-  In  whose 
presence,  a  great  number  of  Learned  Men  &  fautors  of  Learn- 
ing attending,  We  the  Trustees  in  the  Large  &  Splendid  Hall 
of  our  Building,  Have  done  our  School  the  Honour  of  naming 
it  w^ith  your  Illustrious  Name  &  have  called  it  Yale-Colledge, 
and  read  off  a  Memorial  of  it  in  the  Lattin  Tongue,  and  also  a 
Memorial  of  the  Same  in  the  English  Tongue,  answered  with  a 
Counterpart  in  Lattin,  which  Coll.  Tayler  was  pleased  to  say 
was  very  agreeable  to  him  representing  y^"-  Hon^-  From  the 
Hall  the  Schollars  in  the  Way  usual  walked  to  the  Meeting 
house,  where  in  the  presence  of  the  Hon^^®-  Gov^-  Saltonstall  & 
his  Generous  Lady,  the  Hon^^^-  Coll.  Tayler  representing  your 
Person,  the  Hon^^®-  Deputy  Govern^-  Gold,  with  sundry  wor- 
shipful Assistants,  the  Judges  of  the  Circuit,  a  Great  Numb^- 
of  Rev<^-  Ministers,  &  Learned  men,  &  of  a  great  frequency, 
your  Hon^s-  bounty  hath  been  opened  with  the  great  gratitude 
by  the  Saluting  Orator,  &  after  the  Disputations  w^ere  well 
performed,  in  an  oration  managed  by  one  of  our  Body  hath 
been  proclaimed  the  wonderful  Goodness  of  a  most  Bountiful 
God,  &  the  Benefits  of  Liberal  Donors,  «&  in  a  Distinguishing 
Degree  the  Admirable  Munificence  of  your  Hon^-  with  earnest 
Prayers  to  the  God  of  all  grace  to  inrich  your  Hon^-  more  and 
more  with  all  Spiritual  Blessings ;  &  that  after  the  long  Con- 
tinuance of  a  publick  blessing  so  rich  in  Good  works,  a  multi- 
tude, who  have  been  Satisfied  with  your  beneficences,  may 
receive  their  Generous  Benefactor  into  Everlasting  Taber- 


1718] OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 177 

nacles.  Immediately  after  which  ten  Deserving  proficients 
received  their  Degrees,  which  being  given,  our  Hon^ie.  Gov- 
erno''-  Saltonstall  was  pleased  in  a  famous  Latin  Speech  to  do 
us  the  Hon^-  of  crowning  the  Solemnities  of  the  Day,  extolling 
with  profound  respect  your  Hon^ie.  Name.  The  Solemnities 
being  perfected,  in  Colledge  Order  from  the  Meetinghouse  we 
returned  to  Yale-Colledge  Hall  &  Library,  wherein  were 
Generously  Entertained  with  a  large  Colledge  Dinner  a  vast 
number,  &  in  the  Library  y^-  Hone's-  Representative  the  Hon^e. 
Ingenuous  &  Generous  Coll.  Tayler  was  pleased  to  seat  him- 
self at  the  Table  of  the  Ladies.  The  Day  hath,  with  Divine 
Countenance,  been  carryed  on  in  a  Splendid  manner.  We 
rejoyce  in  the  Goodness  of  Almighty  God,  who  hath  provided 
for  our  School  so  honourable  a  protection,  &  revived  our 
Hopes,  that  so  great  &  Glorious  a  work,  for  the  Hon^-  of 
Almighty  God,  for  the  Service  of  Religion  and  Learning,  for 
the  Ornament  &  weal  of  our  Colony,  &  in  particular  for  the 
Accomplishment  of  many  your  worthy  Relations  may  under 
your  great  name  flourish  &  increase  in  Glory. 

As  w^e  offer  humble  &  hearty  Thanks  to  y^-  Kon^-  for  your 
many  bounties,  so  we  are  &  shall  be  constant  Solicitors  at  the 
Throne  of  Grace,  that  your  abundant  Charity  and  Liberality 
flowing  from  your  pious  Breast  may  be  found  to  the  making 
very  weighty  your  Crown  of  Glory  to  be  received  from  the 
hands  of  adorably  free  grace  in  the  Day  of  our  Lord  Jesus : 
&  we  humbly  desire  Leave  to  do  our  Selves  the  Hon'"-  of 
Subscribing,  Hon^^®-  Sir 

Your  Hon^s-  most  obliged,  most  ThankfuU 
&  most  obedient  Servants 

James  Noyes 
New-Haven,  Sept.  12,  1718  Samuel  Andrew 

Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
JoH.  Davenport 
,  Thomas  Ruggles 

Stephen  Buckingham 
The  Honi>ie.  Elihu  Yale 


178  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

Very  Reverend  S^- 

The  Trustees  of  the  Collegiate  School  fixed  at  New  Haven 
haveing  been  favoured  with  an  incourageing  account  of  your 
noble  and  charitable  regard  to  our  infant  Nursery  evidenced 
in  your  excellent  Letter  to  the  Honourable  Elihu  Yale  Esq^- 
for  the  moveing  his  generous  spiritt  to  bountifull  benefaction 
to  our  school,  which  hath  had  so  good  success,  that  we  have 
the  Joyfull  intelligence,  that  the  Honourable  Gentleman  hath 
very  largely  contributed  towards  the  finishing  our  edifice,  as 
doubtless  your  self e  hath  heard ;  his  large  donation  arrived  at 
Boston  hath  obliged  the  Trustees  to  give  our  building  the 
name  of  Yale's  Colledge,  on  our  last  Commencement  the  tenth 
of  this  month ;  and  we  remembring,  how  far  your  Bev^-  selfe 
hath  honoured  and  favoured  us  in  your  seasonable  endeavours 
to  incourage  our  great  undertakeing,  which  we  hope  will  be 
for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  advancment  of  religion  and 
Learning  in  the  present  and  succeeding  generations,  do  with 
greatest  gratitude  acknowledge  your  commiseration  of  our 
low  circumstances  and  readiness  to  do  so  great  a  service  for 
the  interest  of  our  glorious  Lord  in  this  part  of  the  Country, 
and  confess  our  deep  obligations  unto  yourselfe,  not  doubting 
your  future  forwardness  to  incourage  the  same  good  work 
according  to  your  opportunity,  and  requesting  your  constant 
prayers  for  divine  guidance  in  so  difficult  a  day  among  us,  we 
remain 

Very  Rev^-  S""- 

Your  most  humble  servants 


XCIV.    Invitation  of  the  Trustees  for  the  Return 
OF  Seceded  Students 

September  12,  1718 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  Trustees  desirous  in  order  to  remoue  y®  unhappy  cir- 
cumstances that  haue  of  Late   attended  y^  affairs   of  this 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  179 

colledge,  whereby  several  Schollars  haue  been  prevented  from 
receiuing  their  Degrees  respectiuely  according  to  their  stand- 
ing therein,  on  y^  Commencement  held  here  the  day  before 
yesterday;  and  to  improue  y®  happy  smile  of  diuine  Provi- 
dence in  ye  great  bounty  of  y®  Hon^'^^e.  Qqv^-  Yale  bestowed 
thereon  unto  a  general  reconciliation;  the  Trustees  have 
agreed  &  do  order  that  if  any  of  y  aforenamed  Schollars  do 
produce  to  y^  Rector  of  this  Colledge  a  Testimony,  under  y« 
hand  of  any  two  Trustees  of  their  having  been  approved  by 
them  as  qualified  &  worthy  of  y*  degree  of  Batchelour  of  Arts, 
on  terms  as  easy  as  can  reasonably  be  desired  the  Rector  shal 
giue  to  each  of  them  a  Diploma  in  y®  usual  form,  as  a  testi- 
mony of  their  being  admitted  to  y«  s^  Degree,  &  y^  Jun''- 
Schollars  shal  be  receiued  w^^out  any  exception;  provided 
they  come  to  this  Colledge  and  submit  to  y®  Orders  of  y®  same, 
before  y«  winter  immediately  following  the  date  hereof. 

James  Noyes 
Newhaven  Sep*-  12*^1-  1718  Samuel  Andeew 

Samuel  Russel 
Joseph  Webb 
John  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 
Stephen  Buckingham 


XCV.    Act  of  the  Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October,  1718 
[From  the  official  copy  in  the  University  Archives] 

Att  a  General  Assembly  Holden  at  Newhaven  on  the  ninth 
Day  of  October  Anno  Dom  1718 

An  Act  for  the  Encouragement  of  Yale  College 
Whereas  some  difficulty  and  Misunderstandings  hapned  in 
this  Colony  upon  the  fixing  the  Collegiate  School  and  building 
the  House  for  it  at  NewHaven,  therefore  for  a  finall  Conclu- 
sion of  said  differences  and  Misunderstandings  and  for  pre- 


180  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

venting  the  Unhappy  Consequences  that  might  Ensue  and  for 
the  Introduceing  a  good  and  happy  Agreement  in  this  as  well 
as  in  all  our  publick  Affairs,  It  is  Resolved  by  this  Assembly 
that  the  following  proposalls  be  Concluded  upon  as  an  Expe- 
dient for  those  Ends  and  it  is  hereby  Agreed  &  Enacted — 

1  that  the  Annuall  Sallary  allowed  out  of  the  publick 
Treasury  to  said  Collegiate  School  for  the  year  past  shall  be 
Distributed  to  the  Tutors  at  New  Haven  Weathersfield  and 
Saybrook  in  proportion  to  the  Scholars  under  their  Tuition. 

2diy.  That  the  Scholars  who  performed  their  Exercise  at 
Weathersfield  shall  have  their  Degree  at  Newhaven  without 
further  Examination  and  all  SchoUars  Entered  in  the  School 
at  Weathersfield  shall  be  Admitted  to  the  same  Standing  in 
the  School  at  Newhaven. 

3diy.  That  there  shall  be  five  hundred  pounds  allowed  for 
the  building  a  State  House  at  Hartford  which  money  shall  be 
procured  by  the  Sale  of  Lands  belonging  to  this  Colony  and 
put  into  the  hands  of  such  Committee  as  this  Assembly  shall 
Appoint  for  that  Use.  And  it  is  ordered  that  the  Scholars  at 
Weathersfield  come  down  to  the  School  at  Newhaven. 

4thiy.  That  fifty  pounds  be  procured  by  the  Sale  of  such 
Lands  as  Abovesaid  and  given  to  the  Town  of  Saybrook  for 
the  use  of  the  School  in  s*^-  Town. 

5thiy.  That  the  Governor  and  Councel  be  desired  to  give, 
at  the  desire  of  the  s<i-  Trustees  of  said  College,  such  Orders 
as  they  think  proper  for  Removing  the  Books  belonging  to  the 
said  College  left  at  Saybrook  to  the  Library  provided  for  the 
placeing  them  in  Yale  College  at  NewHaven. 

gthiy.  That  the  Several  particulars  Abovementioned  that 
Relate  to  the  s'^-  College  be  Recommended  by  the  Governor  and 
Councel  in  the  Name  of  this  Assembly  to  the  Trustees  of  the 
said  School  for  their  Observation  and  that  sd  College  be 
carryed  on,  promoted,  and  Incouraged  at  Newhaven  and  all 
due  Care  taken  for  its  flourishing. 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  181 

XCVI.    Orders  of  the  Governor  and  Council  of 
Connecticut 

October  28,  1718 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  pp.  90-91, 

Hartford,  1872] 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  New  Haven, 
October  28th,  1718. 

Ordered,  that  the  secretary  draw  out  the  act  passed  in  this 
Assembly  for  encouraging  the  proceedings  in  Yale  College  in 
this  town,  and  inclose  it  in  a  letter  to  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Andrew,  rector  of  the  said  school 

Ordered,  that  the  secretary  write  an  order  on  Mr.  Daniel 
Buckingham  of  Say  Brook,  requiring  him  to  deliver  to  the 
rector  of  Yale  College,  or  his  order,  the  books  and  papers 
belonging  to  that  college,  which  were  by  direction  of  the  trus- 
tees of  the  same  left  in  his  house,  when  the  said  college  was 
removed  to  N.  Haven,  and  which  he  has  held  in  his  keeping 
since  that  time;  and  that  the  said  order  be  inclosed  in  the 
forementioned  letter  to  the  rector 


XCVII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Timothy  Green 

October  30,  1718 

[From  the  original,  in  the  library  of  the  American  Anti- 
quarian Society] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Cotton  Mather.     The  author 
was  the  vs^ell-known  printer,  of  New  London. 

New  London,  Octob.  30,  1718 
Reverend,  Honoured, 
and  Dear  Sir, 

Yesterday  I  came  home  from  New-Haven,  &  can 

inform  you  that  there  is  like  to  be  Peace  in  our  Colony  re- 


182  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

specting  Yale  College,  the  Scholars  at  Weathersfield  &c  are 
to  go  to  New-Haven,  &  take  their  Place  there  according  to  the 
years,  they  have  been  learning.     So  things  are  like  to  be 

easie 

Your  very  humble  servant, 

Timothy  Green. 


XCVIII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Gurdon  Salton- 

STALL 

November  20,  1718 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  185-186,  Boston,  1904] 

The  writer  was  the  Governor,  and  the  recipient  the 
Secretary,  of  the  Colony. 

NLond:  Nov:  20  1718 
M^  Secretary. 

This  comes  express  to  You,  for  a  Copy  of  the  Act  of  the 
late  Assembly,  respecting  the  Settlement  of  the  Colledge 
Affairs,  which  I  would  have,  with  y^  publick  Seal  annexed  to 
It,  sent  to  Me,  by  this  Messenger I  am  S^ 

Y^  very  humble  Serv* 

G :  Saltonstall 

P.  S. 

You  have  among  the  Papers  left  on  the  Council  board  at 
N  Haven,  when  I  took  my  leave  of  You ;  The  Minutes  of  the 
Orders  We  made,  relating  to  the  Money  to  be  paid  to  the 
Trustees,  and  the  Colledge  Books  at  Saybrook;  which  You 
must  also  Send  Me,  with  an  Account  what  You  have  done  upon 

those  Orders 

Mr  Secry  Wyllys. 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  183 

Since  my  writing  what  is  before,  I  understand  Some  Per- 
sons have  a  design  to  proceed  at  Weathersfield,  in  opposition 
to  the  Act  of  the  late  Assembly,  relating  to  a  Colledge  at  N 
Haven,  &  Schollars  belonging  to  It  at  Weathersfield,  Which 
tho  I  can  hardly  believe,  Yet  I  think  It  may  be  best  for  You 
to  draw  a  Copy  of  that  Act,  and  cause  It  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Constable  of  Weathersfield  with  an  Order  as  from  Me,  that  he 
publish  It  immediately  in  y®  s<i  Town.  Which  You  are  ac- 
cordingly to  take  care  of;  This  will  be  a  sufficient  Means  to 
prevent  any  Such  Disorder  as  is  said  to  be  designed  there. 


XCIX.    Proceedings  of  the  Governor  and  Council  of 

Connecticut 

December  2-4,  1718 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  pp.  92-98, 

Hartford,  1872] 

Mr.  Daniel  Buckingham  was  a  son  of  one  of  the  origi- 
nal Trustees,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Buckingham,  of  Say- 
brook,  and  an  ancestor  of  the  distinguished  War-Gover- 
nor, William  A.  Buckingham.  He  was  a  leading  citizen 
of  Saybrook,  often  (after  1713)  a  deputy  to  the  General 
Court,  and  Justice  of  the  Peace  from  1716. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  Say  Brook, 
December  2^,  1718. 

The  Governour  communicated  to  the  board  the  return  made 
by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Samuel  Russell  and  Mr.  Thomas  Rugles 
of  the  order  made  by  this  board  October  the  28th,  1718, 
which  said  order  was  directed  to  Mr.  Daniel  Buck- 
ingham of  Say  Brook,  requiring  him  to  deliver  the  books  and 
papers  belonging  to  Yale  College  at  New  Haven,  which  he 
the  said  Buckingham  had  in  his  house  and  custody  in  Say- 
brook,  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Andrew,  rector  of  the  said 
college,  or  to  his  order;  which  said  order  was  by  the  said 


184  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

rector  indorsed  to  the  said  Mr.  Russell  and  Mr.  Ruggles,  or 
either  of  them,  who  were  appointed  by  him  to  receive  them. 
And  their  said  return  thereupon  sheweth,  that  on  the  11th 
day  of  November,  they  by  virtue  of  said  order  demanded  the 
said  books  and  papers,  and  that  the  said  Buckingham  did 
refuse  to  deliver  them,  declaring  he  did  not  know  that  he  had 
any  books  belonging  to  Yale  College,  but  when  he  did,  and 
should  receive  authentick  orders,  he  would  deliver  them. 

Upon  consideration  of  this  matter :  Resolved  by  this  board, 
that  the  said  Buckingham  refusing  to  deliver  the  said  books 
and  papers  upon  the  said  order  given  pursuant  to  the  said  act 
of  the  Assembly,  has  a  manifest  appearance  of  great  mis- 
demeanour and  contempt  of  authority;  and  that  a  precept  be 
issued  to  the  sheriff  of  the  county  of  New  London,  signed  by 
Capt.  Christopher  Christophers,  clerk  of  the  Council,  by  order 
of  this  board,  commanding  him  in  his  Majesties  name  to  arrest 
the  said  Daniel  Buckingham,  and  have  him  before  the  Gover- 
nour  and  Council,  tomorrow  morning  at  ten  of  the  clock,  at 
the  house  of  Major  John  Clark  in  Saybrook,  to  be  examined 
concerning  his  said  misdemeanour  and  contempt,  and  dealt 
with  as  the  law  directs. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  Saybrook, 
December  3d,  1718. 

This  day  the  sheriff  of  the  county  of  New  London, 

by  virtue  of  the  precept  given  him  and  dated  yesterday, 
brought  Mr.  Daniel  Buckingham  before  this  board.  The  pre- 
cept was  read  in  his  hearing And  the  act  of  the  late 

Assembly,  intituled  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  Yale 
College,  was  also  read  to  him.  And  the  said  Buckingham 
answered,  that  he  could  only  say  as  he  had  done. 


It  was  thereupon  declared  to  him,  that  the  collegiate  school 
to  which  the  said  books  and  papers  demanded  did  belong,  was 
erected  by  this  government ;  that  they  had  put  the  said  school 
into  the  care  of  divers  trustees,  and  had  settled  and  approved 
of  their  carrying  on  the  affairs  of  the  said  school  at  New 


1718]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  185 

Haven,  as  also  of  the  name  of  Yale  College,  given  to  the  said 
collegiate  school ;  and  had  not  only  directed  the  trustees  in  the 
removal  of  the  books  and  papers  belonging  to  it,  to  the  room 
prepared  for  them  in  Yale  College  at  New  Haven,  but  had 
provided  particularly  that  the  necessary  orders  for  the  re- 
moval of  them  should  be  given  by  the  Governour  and  Council ; 
and  that  since  he  had  accepted  the  charge  or  keeping  of  the 
said  books  and  papers,  he  was  thereby  an  under  officer  or 
servant  of  the  said  school,  in  the  nature  of  a  library  keeper, 
and  was  absolutely  under  the  will  of  the  trustees  or  masters 
of  the  said  school,  to  render  the  said  books  to  their  order  and 
to  the  use  of  the  said  school,  as  there  should  be  occasion  or  as 
they  should  be  required  of  him  by  order  of  the  government; 
and  that  its  unaccountable  for  any  one  intrusted  in  like  man- 
ner to  keep  the  said  books  from  the  use  of  the  said  school. 

And  this  board,  pursuant  to  the  aforesaid  act  of  Assembly, 
did  moreover  require  of  him  the  said  Buckingham,  as  in- 
trusted with  the  keeping  of  the  said  books,  now  to  deliver  them 
to  this  board,  that  they  might  give  order  for  the  safe  con- 
veyance of  them  to  the  library  in  Yale  College ;  which  he,  the 
said  Buckingham,  refused  to  do,  still  saying  that  he  did  not 
know  he  had  any  books  belonging  to  Yale  College. 

And  it  appearing  to  this  board  that  the  books  and  papers 
belonging  to  Yale  College  are  at  this  present  time  in  the  dwell- 
ing house  of  the  said  Daniel  Buckingham,  in  a  chamber  of  the 
said  house,  where  they  were  brought  by  order  of  the  trustees 
with  consent  of  said  Buckingham,  to  be  kept  safe  for  the  use  of 
the  said  college ;  and  that  the  said  Buckingham  in  contempt  of 
the  aforesaid  order  for  the  rendering  of  them,  designing  to 
hold  them  from  said  school,  and  prevent  the  said  trustees  of 
said  college,  and  students  therein,  from  the  use  of  the  said 
books  and  papers,  whereby  the  declared  resolution  of  the 
General  Assembly  to  encourage  the  said  school,  and  the  afore- 
said act  will  be  greatly  defeated,  and  the  orders  they  have 
given  for  that  end  become  ineffectual. 

Ordered,  That  a  precept  be  made  to  the  sheriff  of  the  county 
of  New  London,  requiring  him  to  demand  the  said  books,  and 


186  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1718 

upon  his  refusal,  to  enter  into  the  said  house  and  chamber, 
and  deliver  and  cause  them  to  be  delivered  to  the  rector  of  the 
said  college,  Mr.  Samuel  Andrew,  or  to  either  of  the  gentle- 
men   by  him  appointed  to  receive  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Buckingham  do  give  bond  with 
sureties,  in  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pound,  to  the  publick 
treasury  of  this  Colony,  for  his  appearance  at  the  Greneral 
Court  to  be  holden  at  Hartford  in  May  next,  to  answer  for  his 
misdemeanour  and  contempt,  in  refusing  to  deliver  the  said 
books  and  papers,  according  to  the  aforesaid  act  of  Assembly, 
and  also  for  his  good  behaviour  in  the  mean  time,  and  that  he 
stand  committed  until  he  give  bond  as  aforesaid. 

And  the  said  Daniel  Buckingham  as  principal,  and  Nathaniel 
Chapman  and  Joseph  Dudley  as  sureties,  acknowledge  them- 
selves bound  joyntly  and  severally  to  the  publick  treasury  of 
this  Colony,  in  a  recognizance  of  one  hundred  pounds,  that  the 
said  Daniel  Buckingham  shall  appear  at  the  General  Court 
to  be  holden  at  Hartford  in  May  next,  to  answer  for  his  afore- 
said misdemeanour  and  contempt,  and  that  he  shall  be  of 
good  behaviour  in  the  mean  time 

Whereas  the  sheriff  of  the  county  of  New  London  has  certi- 
fyed  this  board,  that  this  evening,  in  the  execution  of  a  special 
warrant  from  this  board  dated  this  day,  to  enter  into  the  house 

of  Daniel  Buckingham  of  Saybrook, Abraham 

Chalker  of  the  said  Saybrook  resisted  him  at  the  door  of  the 
said  house,  by  threatning  him,  that  if  he  came  into  the  said 
house  it  should  be  upon  his  peril,  contrary  to  the  peace  of  our 
sovereign  lord  the  King,  and  the  law  in  such  case  provided, 

Ordered,  that  a  precept  be  directed  to  the  said  sheriff, 
commanding  him  in  his  Majesties  name  to  arrest  the  said 
Abraham  Chalker,  and  have  him  before  the  Governour  and 
Council  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  of  the  clock,  at  the  house 
of  Major  Clark  in  said  Saybrook,  there  to  answer  for  the  said 
breach  of  peace  and  high  misdemeanour. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  Saybrook, 
December  4th,  1718. 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  187 

The  sheriff  of  the  county  of  New  London  made  return,  that 
by  the  warrant  of  this  board,  dated  yesterday,  he  had  entered 
into  the  house  of  Mr.  Daniel  Buckingham  of  Saybrook,  and 
in  the  chamber  of  said  house  found  several  books  belonging  to 
Yale  College,  in  New  Haven,  and  was  ready  to  deliver  them  to 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Thomas  Rugles,  as  directed  by  said  warrant. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  have  a  precept  given  him,  ena- 
bling and  commanding  him  to  impress  men,  and  carts,  and 
oxen,  as  shall  be  sufficient  for  conveying  the  said  books  safely 
to  Guilford,  and  at  the  house  of  Capt.  Janna  Meigs  in  the  said 
town,  to  deliver  them  to  Mr.  Ruggles,  who  pursuant  to  an  act 
of  the  last  Assembly,  intituled  an  Act  for  the  encouragement 
of  Yale  College,  has  been  appointed  by  the  rector  of  the  said 
college  to  receive  them,  taking  his  receipt  of  them,  and  make 
return  to  this  board 


C.    Proceedings  of  the  Goa^eenor  and  Council  of 
Connecticut 

March  11  and  13,  1719 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  jDp.  98-102, 

Hartford,  1872] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Governour  and  Council  in  New  Haven, 
on  Wednesday,  March  the  11th,  1718/9 

The  Governour  signified  to  the  Council,  that  he  had  desired 
their  convening  at  this  time,  to  visit  the  trustees  of  Yale 
College,  and  to  enquire  into  the  state  of  it,  and  particularly 
into  the  occasion  of  several  students  lately  deserting,  or  refus- 
ing to  attend  order  there,  said  to  be  returned  to  Weathersfield, 
from  whence,  by  especial  order  of  the  Assembly,  they  removed 
to  the  said  college : 

That  he  had  given  notice  hereof  to  the  rector  and  trustees 
of  the  said  college,  who  were  several  of  them  attending  for 
that  end,  in  the  said  college ;  and  that  he  had  received  account 


188  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1719 

that  the  Rev.  Mr's.  Noyes  of  Stonington  and  Lyme,  trustees, 
&c.  were  prevented  by  their  age  and  indisposition. 

William  Pitkin,  Esq.,  acquainted  this  board,  that  he  had 
communicated  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Timothy  Woodbridge  and  Mr 
Thomas  Buckingham,  of  Hartford,  trustees,  &c.,  the  Gover- 
nour  appointing  this  time  for  a  meeting  of  the  said  trustees 
and  the  gentlemen  of  the  Council  in  this  place,  and  read  the 
paragraph  of  the  Governour's  letter  for  that  end  to  them, 
wherein  he  signifies  to  them  that,  as  he  had  to  the  rest,  so  he 
desired  of  them  to  attend  at  New  Haven  this  meeting,  and 
should  accordingly  expect  them ;  and  that  the  said  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge  declined  going  to  New  Haven,  saying  he  had  not  ad- 
vised the  scholars  in  their  going  to  or  coming  from  New 
Haven,  and  therefore  should  not  concern  himself  in  that  busi- 
ness, and  declined  going  to  said  Council  and  meeting  of  the 
trustees. 

Joseph  Talcot,  Esq.,  acquainted  this  board,  that  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Thomas  Buckingham  aforesaid,  upon  reading  the  Gover- 
nour's letter  to  M^"-  Pitkin,  did  say  that  he  had  long  ago 
declared  to  the  trustees,  that  he  would  never  contend  any 
more  with  them  in  the  affairs  of  the  college,  and  therefore  did 
not  intend  any  more  to  concern  himself  as  a  trustee  in  that 
affair,  and  thought  he  should  not  attend  the  meeting  proposed, 
with  the  trustees. 

Also,  Mr.  Pitkin  acquainted  this  board  that  the  said  scholars 
were  at  Weathersfield,  and  said  to  be  under  the  tuition  of  Mr. 
Elisha  Williams,  &c. 

The  Governour  and  Council  thereupon  proceeded  from  the 
Council  Chamber  to  Yale  College  hall,  where  they  were  re- 
ceived by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Samuel  Andrew,  rector,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Samuel  Russell,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Ruggles,  trustees  of  the 
said  college;  several  other  of  the  said  trustees  being  not  yet 
come  into  town,  but  expected. 

The  Governour  acquainted  the  rector,  that  the  government 
which  had  with  great  satisfaction  founded  the  said  college  at 
first  by  their  charter,  and  had  lately  professed,  with  such 
solemnity,  their  desire  and  firm  resolution  to  contribute  to 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  189 

its  prosperity,  could  not  but  take  notice  of  what  had  lately 
happened,  in  the  desertion  of  such  a  number  of  the  students, 
in  so  uncommon  a  manner ;  and  that  he  had  no  other  informa- 
tion of  it  than  by  common  fame,  yet  that  was  grown  so  loud, 
and  was  by  many  evil  minded  persons  industriously  spread 
abroad,  both  to  the  injury  of  this  college  and  to  the  great  dis- 
turbance of  peace  and  good  order  in  the  government,  that  he 
judged  it  necessary  on  that  occasion  to  appoint  this  meeting, 
that  having  a  right  understanding  of  the  management  of  the 
said  deserters,  which  had  occasioned  so  much  disorder,  proper 
measures  might  be  taken  to  redress  what  should  be  found 
amiss,  and  prevent  the  like  for  the  future,  and  particularly  all 
needful  support  and  encouragement  given  to  the  said  college. 

To  which  the  rev.  Rector  made  a  brief  reply,  wherein  he 
took  suitable  notice  of  the  care  the  government  took  for  the 
prosperity  of  the  college ;  and  added  that  the  only  pretended 
cause,  which  he  knew  of,  of  the  forementioned  desertion,  was 
the  insufficiency  of  one  of  the  tutors;  but  he  doubted  not  it 
would  be  found,  upon  enquiry,  most  unreasonable.  That  they 
were  in  expectation  of  several  of  their  number,  and  would 
send  to  meet  them  by  express,  when  they  should  be  in  readi- 
ness to  attend  what  might  be  further  necessary  in  this  affair. 

Mr.  Pitkin  further  acquainted  this  board,  that  upon  his 
receipt  of  the  Governour's  letter  he  went  with  it  to  Weathers- 
field  and  shewed  it  to  four  of  the  elder  scholars  there,  and 
gave  them  notice  to  be  present  at  the  Council,  to  shew  their 
grievance,  in  order  to  their  being  redrest ;  and  their  answer  to 
him  was,  that  they  understood  that  Mr.  Woodbridge  and  Mr. 
Buckingham  would  not  be  there,  and  could  not  tell  whether 
they  should  be  there  or  not 

Fryday  morning,  nine  of  the  clock,  the  Council  met, 
and. 

Upon  consideration  had  of  the  state  of  the  college,  the 
trustees  present  did  declare,  that  Mr.  Johnson,  against  whose 
learning  it  has  been  reputed  that  the  deserting  scholars  had 
objected,  had  been  for  some  years  improved  as  a  tutor  in  the 
said  college,  and  was  well  known  to  be  a  gentleman  of  suffi- 


190  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1719 

cient  learning;  and  that  they  cannot  but  look  upon  it  as  a 
very  unworthy  part  in  them,  if  any  of  those  that  have  deserted 
the  college  have  endeavoured  to  scandalize  a  gentleman  in 
such  a  manner,  whom  much  more  competent  judges  highly 
esteem  as  a  man  of  good  learning,  and  in  that  respect  very 
well  accomplished  for  the  charge  he  is  in. 

And  further  they  declared,  that  they  had  been  endeavouring 
to  procure  a  rector  to  reside  at  the  college,  tho'  their  en- 
deavours had  hitherto  been  unsuccessful;  and  were  of  the 
opinion  that  it  was  highly  necessary  to  procure  immediately 
some  gentleman  to  be  resident  there,  as  a  rector  pro  tempore, 
till  the  latter  end  of  May  next,  who  should  take  the  charge  of 
the  college,  with  a  tutor  under  him,  to  assist  in  the  tuition  of 
the  students;  which  they  hoped  would  put  the  affairs  of  the 
college  into  a  desirable  state,  and  give  entire  satisfaction 
to  all  that  wished  for  the  prosperity  of  it. 

And  the  gentlemen  of  the  Council,  being  unanimously  of 
opinion  that  no  expedient  could  conduce  more  to  the  benefit  of 
the  college  and  satisfaction  of  all,  recommended  it  to  the 
trustees  that  they  would  proceed  to  make  choice  of  a  person 
to  reside  in  the  college  as  a  rector  pro  tempore;  that  he  might 
be  as  soon  as  possible  obtained. 

The  Rev.  Rector,  Mr.  Samuel  Andrew,  Mr.  Samuel  Russell, 
and  Mr.  Thomas  Ruggles,  trustees,  &c.  personally  communi- 
cated to  this  board,  that  according  to  the  recommendation 
made  them  from  hence,  to  consider  of  some  fitting  person  who 
might  be  obtained  to  reside  as  a  rector  in  Yale  College,  they 
had  considered  that  matter,  and  resolved  that  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Timothy  Cutler,  minister  of  Stratford,  was  a  person  of  those 
qualifications  that  they  could  not  but  think  him  very  proper 
to  take  charge  of  the  tuition  and  government  of  the  students 
in  Yale  College,  from  this  present  time  to  the  last  Wednesday 
of  May  or  the  first  Wednesday  of  June  next,  in  the  quality  of 
a  rector  to  reside  there ;  and  that  they  had  pitched  upon  him 
for  that  end,  and  designed  to  procure  his  residence  there  forth- 
with. To  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davenport  added  particularly 
for  himself,  that  he  did  with  the  rest  of  the  gentlemen  before- 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  191 

mentioned  fully  concur  in  his  opinion  of  Mr.  Cutler's  qualifi- 
cations for  that  service,  but  had  some  scruple  of  removing  him 
from  the  church,  which  he  doubted  might  be  attended  with  un- 
happy consequences,  as  to  the  affairs  of  that  church  and  town 
in  particular;  wherefore  he  could  not  tell  how  to  concur  with 
them  in  their  election  of  him  to  this  service,  unless  it  be  con- 
sidered strictly  as  under  the  limitation  to  that  time  set,  vizt. 
the  last  Wednesday  in  May,  or  first  of  June. 

And  the  gentlemen  thereupon  desired  the  advice  of  this 
board. 

Who,  after  consideration  had,  did  advise  them,  that  if  the 
trustees  could  by  any  means  obtain  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cutler  to 
come  and  reside  in  Yale  College,  and  take  the  charge  of  a 
rector  upon  him  for  the  time  limited,  it  would  prove  an  expe- 
dient universally  acceptable  to  the  Colony,  as  it  was  to  this 
board,  and  to  all  persons  who  have  been  under  any  uneasiness 
respecting  the  state  of  that  college,  and  prove  a  good  means 
to  put  an  end  to  the  contentions,  which  are  unhappily  arisen, 
for  want  of  such  a  person  residing  there. 

And  that  altho'  the  church  and  town  of  Stratford  must  be 
allowed  to  be  unwilling  altogether  to  part  with  their  reverend 
pastor,  who  is  worthy  of  their  great  respect  and  honour,  yet 
for  so  short  a  time,  and  for  so  great  and  general  advantage, 
as  its  hoped  his  residing  at  Yale  College  may  prove,  we  can't 
but  think  they'll  be  perswaded  to  deny  themselves,  and  be 
satisfied  with  that  provision  to  supply  his  desk  which  you  may 
be  able  to  make  for  them. 

And  we  cannot  but  add  our  assurance,  that  if  you  may  be 
succeeded  so  far  as  to  gain  him  to  attend  the  proposed  service, 
it  will  give  a  particular  satisfaction  to  the  Assembly ;  and  they 
will  be  encouraged  to  come  into  the  consideration  of,  and 
favour,  the  measures  which,  after  that,  may  be  thought  best  to 
supply  the  college  with  an  acceptable  resident  rector  for  the 
future 


192  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1719 

CI.    Lettee  of  Jonathan  Edwards 

March  26,  1719 

[From  a  copy  in  D wight's  Life  of  Edwards,  pp.  29-30, 
New  York,  1830] 

Edwards,  now  in  his  third  College  year,  was  one  of  the 
seceding  students  who  had  lately  returned  to  Wethers- 
field  from  New  Haven. 

Wethersfield,  March  26,  1719. 
Dear  Sister, 

I  think  it  fit  that  I  should  give  you  some  account 

of  my  condition,  relative  to  the  school.  I  suppose  you  are 
fully  acquainted  with  our  coming  away  from  New-Haven, 
and  the  circumstances  thereof.  Since  then  we  have  been  in 
a  more  prosperous  condition,  as  I  think,  than  ever.  But  the 
council  and  trustees,  having  lately  had  a  meeting  at  New- 
Haven  concerning  it,  have  removed  that  which  was  the  cause 
of  our  coming  away,  viz.  Mr.  Johnson,  from  the  place  of  a 
tutor,  and  have  put  in  Mr.  Cutler,  Pastor  of  Canterbury,  Pre- 
sident ;  who,  as  we  hear,  intends  very  speedily  to  be  resident 
at  Yale  College,  so  that  all  the  scholars  belonging  to  our 
school  expect  to  return  there,  as  soon  as  our  vacancy  after 
the  election  is  over. 

I  am  your  loving  brother  in  good  health, 

Jonathan  Edwards. 
To  Miss  Mary  Edwards  at  Northampton. 

CII.    Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

April  14,  1719 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

I  heartily  congratulate  you  upon  the  happy  union 

of  the  Colony  in  fixing  the  Colledge  at  New  Haven,  after  some 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  193 

differences  which  might  have  been  attended  with  ill  conse- 
quences. M'"-  Yale  is  very  much  rejoyc'd  at  this  good  news, 
&  more  than  a  little  pleas 'd  with  his  being  Patron  of  such  a 
Seat  of  the  Muses,  saving  that  he  expresst  at  first  some  kind 
of  concern,  whether  it  was  well  in  him,  being  a  Church  man, 
to  promote  an  Academy  of  Dissenters.  But  when  we  had 
discourst  that  point  freely,  he  appear 'd  convinc't  that  the 
buisness  of  good  men  is  to  spread  religion  &  learning  among 
mankind  without  being  too  fondly  attach 't  to  particular 
Tenets,  about  which  the  World  never  was,  nor  ever  will  be 
agreed.  Besides  if  the  Discipline  of  the  Church  of  England 
be  most  agreeable  to  Scripture  &  primitive  practice,  there's 
no  better  way  to  make  men  sensible  of  it  than  by  giving  them 
good  learning.  M^-  Yale's  picture  at  full  length  with  his 
nephew's  on  the  same  canvas  is  drawn  for  a  present  to  your 
Colledge  Hall;  &  he'l  send  you  by  the  same  conveyance 
another  parcel  of  books,  part  of  which  he  has  promis'd  me 
shall  be  the  Royal  transactions  in  seventeen  Volumes.  He 
propos'd  sending  you  a  pair  of  Globes,  but  when  I  told  him 
you  had  two  pair  already,  we  agreed  that  in  lieu  of  them  you 
shall  have  some  mathematical  instruments,  &  glasses  for 
making  philosophical  Experiments,  as  Microscopes,  Tele- 
scopes, &  other  glasses  for  use  as  well  as  for  ornament  & 
curiosity.  I  have  some  books  &  other  things  for  you  of  my 
own  Collection,  which  I'le  either  put  up  separately  or  pack 
them  with  what  M'^-  Yale  sends 

Your  Most  Obed<^-  Serv*- 

Jer  Dummer. 
Middle  Temple 

14th.  April  1719 

To  the  Honbie.  Gurdon  Saltonstal  Esq''- 


194  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1719 


cm.    An  Act  Introduced  in  the  Upper  House  of  the 
Connecticut  Assembly 

May,  1719 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  p.  186,  Boston,  1904] 

This  Act  failed  of  passage  in  the  Lower  House,  of  which 
the  Journal  for  this  period  is  not  extant.  Another  Act 
at  the  same  session,  which  succeeded  in  passing,  granted 
£40  to  the  College  yearly  for  seven  years,  from  the  sale 
of  country  land. 

An  Act  for  the  further  Incouragmt  of  Yale  Colledge 
"Whereas  it  Is  thought  Needfull  for  the  Good  Govermt  of  the 
Colledge  at  Newhaven  and  promoting  learning  there,  to  have 
a  Resident  Rector,  who  with  one  Tutor  may  be  Sufficient  to 
Instruct  the  Studients  belonging  to  the  Said  Colledge  untill 
there  Number  be  Considerably  Increased,  and  whereas  the 
Sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  2  year  already  Given  out  of  the 
publick  Treasury  to  the  tutor  of  s^  Colledge  Is  not  Sufficient 
for  a  Resident  Rector  &  a  Tutor.  It  Is  therefore  Enacted  by 
the  Govern*  Counsell  &c.  that  there  shall  be  the  Sum  of  Eighty 
pounds  more  paid  yearly  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  for  the 
Incouragm*  &  support  of  a  Resident  Rector  &  one  Tutor,  which 
makes  one  hundred  &  Eighty  pounds  in  the  whole,  for  Such 
time  as  there  shall  be  a  Resident  Rector,  or  untill  Such  time 
as  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  pound  a  year  Can  be  Raised  for 
them  Some  other  way.  &  then  the  said  Eighty  pound  a  year 
shall  not  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  but  only  the  Sum  of 
one  hundred  pound  a  year  as  it  hath  been  of  late. 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  195 

CIV.    Extract  feom  a  Letter  of  Jonathan  Edwards 

July  21,  1719 

[From  Dwight's  Life  of  Edwards,  pp.  31,  32,  New  York, 

1830] 

New-Haven,  July  21,  1719. 
Ever  honoured  Sir, 

I  take  very  great  content  under  my  present  tui- 
tion, as  all  the  rest  of  the  scholars  seem  to  do  under  theirs. 
Mr.  Cutler  is  extraordinarily  courteous  to  us,  has  a  very  good 
spirit  of  government,  keeps  the  school  in  excellent  order,  seems 
to  increase  in  learning,  is  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  are 
under  him,  and  when  he  is  spoken  of  in  the  school  or  town,  he 
generally  has  the  title  of  President. 

The  scholars  all  live  in  very  good  peace  with  the  people  of 
the  town,  and  there  is  not  a  word  said  about  our  former 

carryings  on,  except  now  and  then  by  aunt  Mather 

I  have  enquired  of  Mr.  Cutler,  what  books  we  shall  have  need 
of  the  next  year.  He  answered  he  would  have  me  get  against 
that  time  Alsted's  Geometry  and  Gassendus'  Astronomy; 
with  which  I  would  intreat  you  to  get  a  pair  of  dividers,  or 
mathematician's  compasses,  and  a  scale,  which  are  absolutely 
necessary  in  order  to  learning  mathematics, 

Your  most  dutiful  Son, 

Jonathan  Edwards. 

P.  S.  What  we  give  a  week  for  our  board,  is  £0.55.0d5. 

To  the  Rev.  Timothy  Edwards, 

Pastor  of  the  Church  at  East  Windsor. 


196  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1719 

CV.    Peoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  9,  1719 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

At  a  meeting  of  y^  Trustees  at  New  Haven  on  Commencement 
Sept  9th  1719. 

Present  the  Reverend  Messieurs. 


M''  James  Noyes, 
Mr  Samii  Andrew, 
M^  TimJ  Woodbridge, 
M^  Samii  Russel, 
M''  John  Davenport, 
M^"  Thos  Buckingham, 
Mr  Thos  Ruggles, 
M^  Stephen  Buckingham. 


The  Rev^<i  M^  James  Noyes  was 
chosen  moderator  for  y^  present 
meeting. 

And  the  Rev^<i  M^  Samuel  Russell 
was  chosen  Scribe  of  y®  Same. 
Wee  do  approve  of  the  Rev^*i  M^ 
Timothy  Cutlers  Service  in  Yale 
Colledge  as  Rector  for  the  time 
he  hath  supplied  that  place,  and 
do  now  desire  he  w^-  continue  in  y^  same 

Wee  do  Order  that  the  present  Candidates  for  y^  first  degree 
this  Commencement  viz.  Treat,  Smith,  &  Curtis,  do  stand  in 
the  order  they  are  here  written 

Ordered  that  the  ReV<i-  M^  Sam^-  Andrew,  M''  Sam^  Russell 
M^-  Tho.  Ruggles,  &  M^  Timothy  Cutler  or  any  2  of  y™,  do 
w^h  all  convenient  Speed  Adjust  all  acc*^-  w^^  those  persons  who 
have  expended  moneys,  or  Labour,  towards  erecting  the  house 
here  for  the  Colledge,  &  to  transmit  y®  s*^-  account  so  adjusted, 
to  the  Trustees  for  their  Sanction,  at  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Trustees  if  it  may  bee.  Also  we  Order  the  afores*^-  persons 
do  treat  w^^  &  Sollicite  y^  Town  of  N  haven  that  there  be  a 
Convenient  place  for  the  Schollars  belonging  to  this  Colledge, 
to  sitt  together  in  the  publick  Worship  &  to  agree  w*^  them  for 
Settlement  thereof 

Ordered  that  M^  Sam^  Andrew,  M^  Sam^  Russell,  &  M^"  Tho. 
Ruggles  or  any  two  of  them  do  pray  y®  next  General  Assembly 
to  grant  such  sum  of  money  to  the  Trustees  of  this  Colledge, 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  197 

as  may  enable  them  to  remove  the  Rev'"^-  M'"-  T.  C.  from  Strat- 
ford to  the  place  of  Rector,  whereto  he  hath  been  chosen. 
Ordered  that  each  Schollar  under  tuition  in  this  CoU^i  do 
hereafter  pay  thirty  shillings  a  year  for  the  same  v.  p. 

Ordered  that  every  Non  Resident  Schollar  belonging  to  this 
colledge  shal  pay  twenty  shillings  per  annum  detriment,  ex- 
cepting such  as  the  Trustees  shal  allow  otherwise.  Voted  & 
passd. 

Ordered  that  the  Colledge  Treasurer  do  forthwith  take  Deeds 
of  such  lands  as  have  been  given  by  any  persons  of  the  Town 
of  N,  haven  to  this  Colledge,  &  see  them  entered  on  publick 
record,  at  the  charge  of  this  Colledge.  Voted  &  passed. 
Ordered  that  every  Schollar  belonging  to  this  Colledge  shal 
hereafter  reside  in  the  Colledge,  excepting  such  who  shal  be 
allowed  by  y^  Recto^  &  Tutor,  or  Tutors  to  board  elsewhere. 
Voted  &  passed 

Ordered  that  such  Schollar  who  resideth  in,  or  holdeth  a 
Studdy  in  this  Colledge  shal  pay  twenty  shillings  by  y«  year. 
Voted  &  passed. 

Ordered  that  hereafter  all  who  shal  receive  degrees  in  this 
Colledge  shall  pay  twenty  shillings  currant  money  of  this 
Coll  to  y«  rector  for  y«  same.  Voted,  passed. 
Ordered  that  the  Bev^-  M^  Sam^-  Andrew,  M^-  Sam^-  Russell, 
&  M^  Thomas  Ruggles  do  treat  &  agree  w*^  the  Steward  Cap* 
Munson  for  the  terms  of  dieting  the  schollars  for  the  following 
year.    Voted  &  passed. 

Ordered  y*  M^-  Sam^i  Russell  give  order  to  y®  Treasurer  to 
deliver  to  the  Rector  five  pound  ten  shillings  to  help  his 
charges  in  his  present  Journey  to  Boston.  Voted  &  passed. 
Order^  that  the  Rev<i-  M^"  James  Noyes  &  M^  Sam^  Russell  do 
forthwith  hire  a  Convenient  dwelling  house  for  y^  reception 
of  M""  Cutlers  family  for  ye  present  &  untill  further  provision 
be  made  &  the  Colledge  shal  be  at  the  charge  thereof.  Voted 
&  passed. 

Ordered  that  the  Rev^  M^  James  Noyes,  M*"  Sam^  Andrew  & 
M'"  Jno.  Davenport  or  any  two  of  them  do  in  our  name  write  a 


198  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1719 

desire  of  the  Trustees  to  expedite  the  drawing  in  the  sums 
subscribed  for  the  Colledge  use.    Voted  &  passed. 

Ordered  that  o^  Colledge  Treasurer  do  forthwith  by  all  Law- 
ful means  draw  in  all  the  moneys  due  to  our  Treasury.  Voted 
&  pass*^  Affirm*- 

Ordered  that  M^"  Joseph  Webb,  MJ"  Thomas  Ruggles  &  M''  Sam^ 
Russel  or  any  two  of  them  do  write  in  our  name  to  the  town 
of  Stratford  signifying  our  acceptance  of  their  town  offer 
concerning  y*  removal  of  M^  Cutler,  &  y*  they  do  it  according 
to  their  sd  Webbs  Ruggles  &  Russells  proposal  made  to  sd 
town.  Also  we  order  &  impower  the  above  persons  to  pur- 
chase of  M^-  Cutler  his  house  &  homelott  at  Stratford  that  it 
may  be  returned  to  Stratford,  (&  if  M'"-  Cutler  seeth  it  need- 
ful) they  are  desired  to  be  helpful  to  him,  in  Laying  out  the 
moneys  for  his  accommodation  in  N.  haven  and  all  to  be  done 
at  Colledge  Charge. 

We  choose  &  appoint  Edwards  Jun^  to  y«  office  of  Butler,  but 
if  he  shal  not  see  meet,  to  accept  then  the  Rector  &  Tuto^  to 
appoint  a  meet  person  to  that  office  till  further  order  of 
Trustees.    Voted  &  passed. 

Ordered  that  M""  Cutlers  family  &  goods  be  removed  from 
Str'i  to  Nhaven  at  the  charge  of  the  Colledge.    Voted  &  passed. 

Ordered  that  the  Rev^-  M^"  Sam^  Andrew,  Sam^  Russell  &  Thos 
Ruggles  do  adjust  the  ace*  w^^  is  due  to  Mr  Johnson  for  his 
Service  in  y®  Colledge  &  order  him  w*  shal  be  due  out  of  the 
Treasury,  w*^  o''  particular  thanks  for  his  good  service,  &  that 
three  pounds  be  ordered  him  for  his  extraordinary  service. 
Voted  &  passed. 

Ordered  that  the  Rev^^^-  M''  Tho.  Ruggles  &  Samuel  Russell  do 
wait  on  Major  fitch  tomorrow  morning,  &  make  &  perfect  an 
agreement  w*^  him  respecting  the  farm  given  by  him  to  the 
Colledge,  as  followeth  namely.  That  M*"-  Sam^-  Russell  do 
wait  upon  Major  fitch  who  together  with  the  publick  Sur- 
veigho^  shal  renew  y^  bounds  of  s*^-  farm  all  to  s^-  Russells 
satisfaction  and  Major  fitch  do  make  a  good  sufficient  Quit 
claim  of  s^-  farm  to  the  Trustees,  on  the  Condition,  it  be  im- 


1719]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  199 

proved  only  to  the  use  of  the  School  so  long  as  they  have  In- 
structor of  y®  Presbiterian  or  Congreational  profession; 
That  then  s<^-  M'"  Russell  do  pay  to  Major  fitch  thirty  pounds  & 
that  the  trustees  will  order  30  more  to  pious  uses  in  this  col- 
ledge  to  mutual  satisfaction  of  s*^-  Major  fitch  &  s^-  Trustees. 
All  the  foregoing  Orders  and  Acts  of  this  Meeting  were 
voted  &  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Testis,  Samuel  Russel 

Scribe 


CVI.    An  Act  of  the  Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October,  1719 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  p.  159, 
Hartford,  1872] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Govemour,  Council  and  Representa- 
tives, in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same.  That  the  Reverend  Mr.  Timothy  Cutler,  Rector  of 
Yale  College,  shall  have  all  his  estate,  as  well  as  polls,  freed 
from  any  taxes  in  this  governpient  while  he  is  in  the  aforesaid 
office. 


CVII.    Vote  of  the  First  Society  (Center  Church), 

New  Haven 

December  30,  1719 

[From  the  Society's  Eecords] 

At  y«  desire  of  y^  Rev^-  M^"-  Russell  in  y®  name  of  y^  rest  of 
ye  Trustees  of  y«  Colegiate  School  or  Colledge  in  this  place, 
the  Society  grant  unto  y^  Studants  at  s^-  School  from  time  to 
time  ye  Liberty  of  siting  in  y®  N.  E.  half  of  y«  Front  Gallery 
in  ye  Meeting  house  except  y®  frount  seat,  provided  y«  present 


200  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1720 

Studants  do  pay  1^-  per  head  at  first  entering  into  s<^-  seats, 
&  for  y^  future  y^  students  at  s'l-  scholl  2^-  per  head  per  annum 
for  y^  use  of  s*^-  Society. 


CVIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  20,  1720 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven 
April  20tb  1720. 

Then  present  the  Reverend  Mess" 


M^  Samuel  Andrew, 

M^  Timothy  Woodbridge, 

M""  Samuel  Russel, 

Mr  Joseph  Webb, 

M""  Stephen  Buckingham, 

M^  Thomas  Ruggles. 


The  Rev^*^  M^*  Samuel  Russel  was 
chosen  Scribe  for  the  present 
meeting. 

We  agree  to  give  the  Rev'^  M'" 
Timothy  Cutler  one  Hundred  and 
ninety  Pounds  currant  Money  of 
this  Colony  or  Bills  of  credit 
passing  in  the  same  for  his  House  and  Homelot  in  Stratford. 
We  agree  and  order  for  the  Rev^  M^  Cutlers  comfortable  Sub- 
sistance  in  the  Rectoral  Service  either  1^*  y*  the  trustees 
borrow  the  190^^  they  are  to  give  him  for  his  House  &  Homelot 
in  Stratford  &  build  an  House  for  the  Use  of  the  Rector  and  y* 
they  shall  pay  a  Lawful  Interest  for  the  s<i-  190  untill  y^  pay- 
ment of  ye  Principle,  Or  2^7  If  the  ReV^  M^-  Cutler  chooseth 
rather  to  improve  y^  s*^-  190^^  in  building  himself  the  Trustees 
shall  allow  him  out  of  the  Subscriptions  or  otherwise  such 
sums  as  shall  be  needful  for  perfecting  the  Building,  &  3^7  y*  if 
ye  ReV^  M'"  Cutler  do  leave  y^  Service  of  y^  College  he  shall 
have  ye  Liberty  of  having  the  House  he  repaying  what  y* 
Trustees  shall  expend  on  it  above  y®  190  or  to  lett  y^  Trustees 
have  ye  House  they  repaying  him  the  190  or  if  he  die  in  s^- 


1720]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  201 

service  the  like  liberty  shall  be  to  his  Wife  after  his  Death,  Or 
4^y  That  if  M^  Cutler  shall  after  building  s^-  House  refund  such 
sums  as  y«  Trustees  shall  have  expended  on  s^-  Building  then 
the  House  shall  be  his  own,  Or  S^y  That  if  M^  Cutler  shall 
choose  to  improve  any  afores*^-  Sums  of  College  Subscriptions 
or  Moneys  for  building  that  y*^  he  shall  give  sufficient  Security 
for  refunding  such  Sums  or  Subscriptions  to  the  Trustees. 
We  agree  that  the  Rev^  M^"  Cutler's  Salary  shall  be  one  hun- 
dred &  fourty  Pounds  per  year  with  what  Additions  the 
College  Treasury  shall  enable  us  &  we  shall  see  proper  to 
make ;  And  M^"  Andrew  M^  Russel  &  M'"  Ruggles  do  adjust  y« 
Account  for  his  past  service. 

Agreed  &  ordered  that  for  redressing  the  Complaints  made 
respecting  y^  dieting  of  y«  Schollars  that  if  it  doth  not  appear 
y*^  y^^  be  a  speedy  Reformation  as  to  y^  Provision  &  dressing 
thereof  y*  we  will  on  our  next  meeting  (w^  is  hereby  appointed 
on  y6  second  Wednesday  of  June  next)  take  special  Care  a 
suitable  Person  shall  be  ready  to  take  y«  Care  of  a  Steward 
upon  him. 

Ordered  that  M''  Russel  give  y®  Treasurer  order  to  pay  to  y« 
Rector  ten  pounds  for  defraying  y®  Charges  of  his  Removal 
from  Stratford  hither. 

Ordered  We  desire  the  ReV^  M^"  Cutler  to  improve  M'"  Law 
&  Capt  Whiting  to  agree  w*^  the  Town  of  Stratford  upon  any 
Proposals  which  have  been  made  to  s^-  Town  by  M^"  Webb, 
M^"  Ruggles  &  Mr  Russel  in  our  Names  for  the  Terms  of  M'* 
Cutlers  Remove  from  them  and  we  shall  defray  y®  Charge 
they  shall  be  at  therein. — and  that  they  do  see  any  such  Agree- 
ment fully  executed,  also  if  there  shall  be  no  such  agreement 
we  advise  M'"  Cutler  to  appoint  an  Attorney  to  defend  his 
Right  in  the  Law  &  we  will  respond  the  Charges  thereof. 
Agreed  &  ordered  that  the  College  Steward  do  on  each  Quarter 
Day  demand  &  receive  such  Sums  as  each  Scholar  shall  be  set 
at  in  ye  Quarter  Bill  it  being  approved  of  by  the  Rector  & 
Tutor  &  the  Steward  shall  transfer  s*'-  money  to  y^  Treasurer 
of  the  College  who  shall  first  take  into  Treasury  w*  is  Col- 
leges due  &  shall  deliver  to  y®  Steward  what  shall  belong  to 


202  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1720 

him  &  each  Quarter  Bill  shall  be  left  in  the  Treasurer's 
keeping. 

All  the  Acts  &  Orders  of  this  meeting  were  voted  &  passed 
affirmatively  by  afores^-  Trustees. 

Testis  Samuel  Russel  Scribe 


CIX.    Vote  of  the  First  Society  (Center  Church), 

New  Haven 

May  11,  1720 

[From  the  Society's  Records] 

The  Society's  Records  also  contain  several  later  kin- 
dred votes,  which  do  not  need  to  be  reproduced. 

Voted  that  the  Under  graduate  scholers  may  sit  in  the 
northeast  part  of  the  fore  gallery  except  the  fore  seat  and 
that  y®  graduates  may  sit  in  the  fore  seat  except  such  of  them 
as  are  already  prouided  for,  the  present  students  paying  for 
the  time  past  one  shiling  per  poll,  and  for  the  future  each 
scholer  paying  one  shiling  per  head  at  his  entering  into  the 
Coledge,  and  that  each  scholer  pay  one  shiling  per  head 
anualy,  for  the  use  of  the  society  dureing  their  belonging  to 
the  Colledge,  and  the  s*^  scholers  aduance  their  proportionable 
part  according  to  poll  in  case  of  extraordinary  repairs: 
alwayes  prouided  that  the  afores^^  annual  payments  be  ac- 
counted due  at  the  yearly  comencments  and  the  society  im- 
powers  the  society  collector  anualy  to  demand  and  receive  the 
afores*^-  respectiue  sums. 


1720]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  203 

ex.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

June  8,  1720 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  by  Adjournment  June  8*^  1720 
at  Yale  College. 

Then  being  present  the  Rev^  Hesse's- 

The  Rev<i  M""  Tho^  Ruggles  was 


M^  Samuel  Andrew, 
M^  Tim :  Woodbridge, 
Mr  Sam"  Russel, 
Mr  Joseph  Webb, 
M'*  Thos  Buckingham, 
M^  Stephen  Buckingham, 
M^  Thos  Ruggles. 


chosen    Scribe    for    y®    present 
Meeting, 

Agreed  that  M^"  John  Punderson 
be  desired  to  get  y^  Well  of  the 
College  cleansed. 
For  Explanation  of  y^  Law  re- 
ferring to  Schollars  Absence 
from  College  we  agree  that  at  the  Commencement  there  be  a 
Months  Vacation  allowed  and  as  to  any  other  Time  of  par- 
ticular Schollars  Absence  there  is  no  claim  of  Liberty  by  the 
Law  but  as  y®  Rector  or  Tutor  shall  see  Reason  to  give  them 
Leave  notwithstanding  any  Custom  to  the  contrary. 
Whereas  at  a  Trustees  Meeting  April  20,  1720,  it  was  left  to 
M'"  Cutlers  Election  whether  to  build  himself  or  y®  Trustees 
build  a  Rectors  House  M^  Cutler  at  this  present  Meeting  de- 
clared to  the  Trustees  his  Choice  is  that  the  Trustees  do  build. 
Agreed  &  unanimously  voted  that  the  Rev*^  M''  Eliphalet 
Adams  is  nominated  and  chosen  a  Trustee  of  Yale  College. 
Agreed  that  a  Letter  of  Thanks  be  sent  to  Gov^  Yale  &  another 
to  M^  Dummer  and  that  M""  Woodbridge  and  M^  Tho^  Buck- 
ingham do  write  in  the  Name  of  the  Trustees  to  the  aforesaid 
Gentlemen. 

Agreed  y*  M^  Samuel  Russel  be  impowered  to  reckon  with  M'" 
Bishop,  M^  Prout  the  Treasurer  and  M""  Cutlers  Landlord  and 
make  such  Payments  to  them  as  y<^  Treasury  will  enable  them 
to  do. 


204  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY  [1720 

Agreed  that  since  Capt  Munson  hath  not  provided  a  Cook  as 
we  expected  he  would,  upon  w*  we  discoursed  to  him  (when  we 
were  here  April  20*^  last),  we  will  take  Care  to  provide  a  Cook 
who  shall  have  the  whole  management  of  y^  Kitchen  &  shall 
reject  w*  is  not  suitable  for  y^  Schollars  &  make  Complaint  to 
the  Rect^  &  Tutors  of  j^  want  of  what  is  needful  and  they  if 
y^  Steward  do  not  seasonably  repair  y^  defect  shall  have 
Power  &  hereby  are  impowered  to  make  such  abatement  in 
y*'  Steward's  Quarter  Bill  as  his  evident  Faultiness  may  make 
reasonable. 

Agreed  that  y*  Widow  Hannah  Beacher  be  applied  to  be  a 
standing  Cook  in  Yale  College  &  the  Treasurer  of  the  College 
is  desired  to  agree  with  her  &  see  her  paid  out  of  y®  Quarter 
Bill  deducting  her  Wages  out  of  the  Steward's  Part  provided 
she  doth  not  demand  more  wages  than  hath  been  usually  given 
to  the  Cook  and  Sweeper  &  in, Case  M"  Beacher  cannot  be 
obtained  we  desire  &  impower  the  College  Treasurer  with  y® 
Advice  of  y^  Rector  &  Tutor  to  put  in  a  Cook  as  likewise  in  all 
the  intervals  of  the  Trustees  as  there  may  be  occasion  y^  Same 
we  order  as  to  a  sweeper.  Agreed  that  there  be  fresh  meat 
provided  for  the  Schollars  Dinner  3  times  a  Week  till  Com- 
mencement. 

Agreed  y*  M''  Russel  &  the  Rector  be  desired  to  take  effectual 
Care  y*^  those  Things  proposed  in  the  Gov^^  Letter  to  be  sent 
to  Coll  Nicholson  to  be  presented  to  Gov^  Yale  be  performed 
&  y«  Charge  of  it  defrayed  out  of  the  College  Treasury. 
The  above  written  Acts  all  were  regularly  passed  by  the  Trus- 
tees in  the  Affirmative. 

Testis  Tho^  Ruggles  Scribe. 


1720]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  205 

CXI.    Letter  of  Gurdon  Saltonstall 

July  13,  1720 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

From  some  scribbling  upon  the  sheet,  it  appears  prob- 
able that  this  letter  was  directed  to  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Russel,  of  Branford. 

N.  Lond.  July  13,  1720. 
S^ 

I  have  now  before  me  yours  of  the  21^^  of  the  last  month  and 
the  5*1^  of  this 

Tho '  I  was  in  hope  that  had  the  Act  in  favor  of  this  Colledge 
passed  last  Assembly,  It  would  have  been  attended  with  other 
advantages  which  are  very  much  wanted  for  the  support  of  the 
charge  of  the  School  at  this  Juncture,  Yet  if  that  may  be  com- 
pensated, and  any  thing  of  better  service  to  that  Society  ob- 
tained at  the  next  Court,  I  shall  greatly  rejoyce  in  It.  It  falls 
out  very  well  that  you'l  have  a  large  opportunity  at  the  Com- 
mencement to  consider  what  may  be  best,  and  hope  you'l  find 
the  Court  in  a  good  disposition  to  do  whatever  is  in  their 
Power  for  the  encouragement  of  the  Colledge. 

I  think  exceeding  care  ought  to  be  taken  whenever  the  Court 
goes  about  to  enlarge  the  Priviledges  &  Powers  granted  in 
your  Charter  that  it  should  not  be  done  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  endanger  it.  No  doubt  that  Act  which  was  proposed  last 
Court  may  be  amended  both  as  to  the  Matter  &  Form  of  it 
which  you'l  have  the  best  advantage  now  of  considering  & 
recommending  whatsoever  you  think  proper  in  it,  or  further 
needful,  to  the  Court  in  October. 

As  for  the  Plan  you  mention  in  your  last,  it  will  be  time  eno ' 
to  perfect  it  at  the  Commencement,  where  I  shall  gladly  be  if 
my  occasions  suffer  it.  I  have  already  in  my  letter  excused 
the  sending  of  it  with  the  Catalogue  &  Orders  which  I  received 
from  Mr.  Eector  &  have  forwarded ;  that  being  a  matter  which 
will  require  more  time. 

My  Thoughts  upon  it  are.  That  there  may  be  2  Planus  A 


206  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1720 

Smaller  comprehending  the  Town,  Harbour,  Colledge,  in 
which  the  Village  belonging  to  the  Town  may  be  well  eno'  & 
handsomly  expressed  without  the  charge  of  a  nice  surveigh  of 
the  whole  Town. 

The  other  by  a  larger  Scale,  A  Plan  of  the  Colledge,  and 
Green  before  it.  Church  &  Court  house,  in  which  the  Building 
may  be  beautified  with  Colours,  to  make  a  better  appearance, 
than  it  will  in  small. 

I  shal  be  sure  to  put  Mr.  Adams  on  being  at  the  Commence- 
ment meeting  tho  I  should  be  prevented  of  being  there  my  self. 

lam  S^ 

yj"  very  humble  sev* 

G  Saltonstall 


CXII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

October  1,  1720 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

Addressed  to  Governor  Gurdon  Saltonstall.  Fuller 
references  to  the  unsuccessful  attempt  in  1720-1721  to 
interest  Thomas  Hollis  in  Yale  College  may  be  seen  in 
President  Quincy's  History  of  Harvard  University. 

S^- 

M^-  Yale  makes  me  many  apologies  for  having 

done  nothing  for  your  Colledge  this  Summer,  &  promises  to 
make  ample  amends  by  the  first  Spring  ship. 

I  have  also  great  hopes  that  you'l  have  a  Share  in  M^- 
Hollis 's  bounty  which  hitherto  has  bin  confined  to  Harvard 
College. 

I  give  my  most  respectfull  Service  to  y®  General  Court,  & 
am  S^- 

Your  very  humble  Serv*- 

Jer.  Dummer 
Londo-  It-  Oct^-  1720 
Colo-  Saltonstal 


1720]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  207 

CXIII.    Order  of  the  Upper  House  of  the  Connecti- 
cut Assembly 

October,  1720 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

This  attempted  legislation  by  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cil was  frustrated  by  the  refusal  of  the  Lower  House  to 
concur. 

For  the  Enableing  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge,  to  pro- 
vide a  piece  of  Land,  and  erect  such  houseing  thereon,  as  may 
be  needfull  for  the  comfortable  Residence  of  the  Rector  of  the 
s<^-  Colledge  for  the  time  being,  This  Court  orders  that  what 
Sums  of  money  shall  accrue  to  the  Treasury  of  this  Colony, 
by  the  duties  laid  upon  Rum,  or  by  the  forfetures  of  any  Quan- 
tities of  the  s*^-  Liquor  for  two  yeares  next  Ensuing  the  first 
day  of  May  next,  shall  be  payed  to  the  trustees  of  the  s*^- 
Colledge,  to  be  Improued  for  the  s*^-  end. 

CXIV.    Letter  of  Timothy  Cutler 

"December  31,  1720 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  187-188,  Boston,  1904] 

This  letter  is  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Wood- 
bridge,  of  Hartford.  The  publication  referred  to  in  the 
fourth  paragraph  is  otherwise  unknown ;  the  Rev.  Moses 
Noyes,  of  Lyme,  appears  to  be  the  alleged  author. 

N.  Haven  Dec^-  31.  1720. 
ReVi-  Sir 

Having  communicated  to  the  Rev<^-  M^"  Andrew  and  M"" 
Russel,  a  Letter  which  I  rec*^-  from  the  Gov-  bearing  Date 
Dec.  24.  relating  to  the  Building  a  Rector's  House  here,  and 
desireing  the  Result  of  y®  Rev<^-  Trustees  Thoughts  as  soon  as 


208  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1720 

may  be:  it  is  their  concurrent  Opinion,  That  with  all  con- 
venient speed  there  should  be  a  meeting  here  of  the  Rev*^- 
Trustees  of  this  School  upon  this  affair,  as  well  as  others  that 
may  then  be  offered  to  Consideration 

They  have  therefore  empower 'd  me  in  their  names  to  sig- 
nify their  desires,  That  you  would  give  your  attendance  at  s*^- 
meeting  on  y^  24  of  January  next  ensueing:  which  I  accord- 
ingly do,  and  entreat  your  Favour  in  the  notification  of  it  to 
M^  Buckingham. 

Sir,  I  am  sensible  that  Riding  such  a  journy  on  this  Time 
(especially  as  the  case  may  be)  will  be  very  difficult,  and  I 
think  that  nothing  but  the  urgency  of  affairs  can  call  for  it. 
But  I  think  that  this  is  the  present  case.  You  are  not  in- 
sensible of  the  Difficultys  of  my  present  Habitation,  and  my 
Tenure  of  it  also  is  as  uncertain  as  possible.  If  any  thing  be 
done  respecting  a  Building  this  year  it  is  requisite  there  be 
a  present  Consideration  that  the  Timber  be  cut  for  it  in  the 
Winter  Season.  I  know,  S^,  that  such  is  your  age  and  Dis- 
tance, That  you  may  as  fairly  put  in  for  an  Excuse  from 
coming  as  any  Gentleman,  but  having  a  particular  dependance 
upon  your  coming  I  can  by  no  means  be  easy  in  a  Submission 
to  it,  and  do  therefore  take  the  Freedom,  to  Importune  your 
mindfullnesse  of  us  at  that  time.  And  having  had  so  many 
Instances  of  your  goodnesse  in  affairs  of  this  nature,  I  must 
promise  my  self  the  Hon^-  &  Happinesse  of  a  Visit  at  that  time. 

There  is  lately  come  amongst  us  a  Dream  of  one  Wait-still 
Hoping,  referring  to  Stratford  &  Lime  under  late  &  present 
Circumstances,  particularly  relating  y«  affairs  of  y^  late 
Council  at  Stratford,  &  Favouring  y^  Determinations  of  it, 
particularly  magnifying  the  Character  and  conduct  of  a  Rev<i- 
Gentleman  M^  Izzard.  The  Representation  of  it  is  in  y^  way 
of  a  design 'd  wedding,  the  Legality  whereof  is  contested  and 
disproved  by  one  M^  Immoveable.  The  air  of  it  is  pompous 
and  rapturous,  and  pretty  taking  with  us.  The  Rev*^-  M^  Izzard 
who  is  called  the  Authour  may  possibly  be  here  at  y«  meeting 
if  his  great  Distance  or  Vapours  hinder  not. 

The  College  Bell  is  now  raised  and  gives  a  very  pleasant 


1721]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  209 

clear  Sound,  and  we  are  humbly  thankful!  to  Mad'"-  Wood- 
bridge's  Generosity  in  it.  To  whom  I  give  my  service  as  well 
as  to  your  self,  who  am,  Rev<^  Sir 

Your  Hum.  Serv*- 

Timothy  Cutler 


CXV.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

February  25,  1721 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 
Sr- 

I  visited  M^"-  Hollis  &  deliver 'd  him  the  letter  you 

sent  me  for  him,  &  afterwards  red  to  him  a  paragraph  out  of 
your  letter  to  me  on  the  same  Subject,  with  both  which  he  was 
extremely  well  pleas 'd.  His  answer  was  that  he  had  not  yet 
finish 't  what  he  intended  to  do  for  Harvard  Colledge,  &  till 
then  he  could  not  go  upon  any  new  design.  I  am  satisfy 'd 
you  '1  find  him  a  benefactor  e  're  long. 

M'"-  Yale  has  ship't  a  hundred  pounds  Ster^-  in  goods  for 
your  Colledge.  They  go  consign 'd  to  M^-  Cradock,  who 
carries  them  with  him,  being  upon  his  return  to  Boston  by 
Cap*-  Letherid.  This  howeuer  is  but  halfe  what  M""-  Yale 
promis'd  me  a  month  ago,  when  he  assur'd  me  he  would  remit 
you  200  lb.  Ster^-  per  annum  during  his  life,  &  make  a  setled 
annual  provision  to  take  place  after  his  death.  But  old  Gentle- 
men are  forgetfull.  I  was  with  him  last  night,  to  refresh  his 
memory  about  the  books,  pictures,  &  other  presents  which  1 
formerly  mention  'd  to  jon,  &  to  see  if  they  could  be  ready  to 
go  with  the  goods,  but  it  seems  they  won't  be  in  order  'till  a 

month  hence.    I  shall  be  glad  if  they  are  ready  then 

I  am  S''- 
Your  most  Obed*-  Serv*- 

Jer  Dummer 
Middle  Temple 

25*11-  Feb^y-  1720  [i.e.,  1720/21] 
To  the  Hon^ie.  Gurdon  Saltonstal  Esq^"- 


210  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1721 

CXVI.    Letter  of  Jonathan  Edwards 

March  1,  1721 

[From  the  original  in  the  Andover-Harvard  Theological 

Library] 

Edwards  had  graduated  in  the  previous  fall,  and  was 
now  residing  at  the  College  as  a  student  in  theology. 
Another  letter  by  him,  probably  written  about  three 
months  earlier,  and  relating  to  the  behavior  of  his  Fresh- 
man cousin,  Elisha  Mix,  was  printed  in  part  in  the  Yale 
News  for  October  26, 1880. 

Yale  Coll:  March  1st-  1721 
Honoured  Sir 

As  concerning  the  complaint  of  the  scholars  about 

their  commons ;  the  manner  of  it  I  believe  was  no  less  surpriz- 
ing to  me  than  to  you:  It  was  on  this  wise,  Every  under- 
graduate, one,  and  all  that  had  any  thing  to  do  with  Colledge 
Commons,  all  on  a  sudden,  before  M^-  Cutler,  or  (I  believe) 
any  body  knew  yt  they  were  discontented,  entered  into  a  bond 
of  15^  never  to  have  any  more  commons  of  the  steward,  where- 
upon they  all  forewarn  'd  him  never  to  provide  more  for  them, 
telling  him  if  he  did  they  would  not  pay  him  for  it,  Mr  Brown 
notwithstanding  ordered  commons  to  be  provided,  and  set 
upon  the  table  as  it  used  to  be,  and  accordingly  it  was,  but 
there  was  no  body  to  eat  it:  Mr  Cutler  as  soon  as  he  was 
apprized  of  this  Cabal  sent,  on  the  same  day  for  Mr  Andrew, 
and  Mr  Russel,  who  came  on  the  next,  and  with  the  Rector 
ordered  all  to  appear  before  them;  where  the  Rector  mani- 
fested himself  exceedingly  vex'd,  and  displeased  at  the  act, 
which  so  affrighted  the  scholars  that  they  unanimously  agreed 
to  come  into  commons  again.  I  believe  that  the  scholars  that 
were  in  this  agreement  have  so  lost  Mr  Cutler's  favour  that 
they  scarce  ever  will  regain  it.  Stiles  (to  my  grief  and  I  be- 
lieve much  more  to  his)  was  one  that  set  his  hand  to  this  bond ; 
he  did  it  by  the  strong  instigation  of  others  who  perswaded 
him  to  it ;  neither  had  [s  has  been  crossed  out]  he  a  minutes 


1721]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  211 

time  to  consider  before  his  hand  was  down :  as  soon  as  I  under- 
stood him  to  be  one  of  them,  I  told  him  yt  I  thought  he  had 
done  exceedin  [g  lacking  at  end  of  line]  unadvisedly,  and  told 
him  also  what  I  thought  the  ill  consequences  of  it  would  be, 
and  quickly  made  him  sorry  that  he  did  not  take  advice  in  the 
matter.  I  am  apt  to  think  that  this  thing  will  be  the  greatest 
obstacle  of  any  to  Stiles 's  being  Butler.  I  must  needs  say  for 
my  own  part,  that  although  the  commons  at  sometimes  have 
not  been  sufficient  as  for  [  ?  to  ?  Hole  in  paper  at  fold]  quality, 
yet  I  think  there  has  been  very  little  occasion  for  such  an  in- 
surrection as  this.  Although  these  disturbances  were  so 
speedyly  quash  'd,  yet  they  are  succeeded  by  much  worse,  and 
greater ;  and  I  believe  greater  than  ever  were  in  the  Colledge 
before,  they  are  occasion 'd  by  the  discovery  of  some  mon- 
strous impieties,  and  acts  of  immorality  lately  committed  in 
the  Colledge,  particularly  stealing  of  hens,  geese,  turkies, 
piggs,  meat,  wood  &c, — unseasonable  nightwalking,  breaking 
people's  windows,  playing  at  cards,  cursing,  swearing,  and 
damning,  and  using  all  manner  of  ill  language,  which  never 
were  at  such  a  pitch  in  the  Colledge  as  they  now  are;  The 
Rector  has  called  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  on  this  occasion, 
they  are  expected  here  to  day,  tis  thought  the  upshot  will  be 
the  expulsion  of  some,  and  the  publick  admonition  of  others : 
Through  the  goodness  of  God  I  am  perfectly  free  of  all  their 

janglings 

Honoured  Sir 
your 
most  dutyfull 
Son 
Jonathan  E. 


212  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1721 

CXVII.    Extract  feom  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

March  7,  1721 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  188-189.    Boston,  1904] 

M^  Yale  Sends  you  by  this  Ship  one  hundred 

pounds  Sterhng  in  goods  for  the  use  of  his  Colledge,  & 
Assures  me  that  a  present  which  he  has  bin  long  getting  ready, 
of  Instruments,  books,  &  pictures  shall  be  Sent  you  in  a 
month's  time.  I  am  glad  to  get  what  I  can  of  him,  tho  it  be 
less  than  his  engagements ;  for  he  promis  'd  me  that  he  would 
Send  you  over  200  £  per  anno  as  long  as  he  liv'd,  &  make  a 
Setlement  upon  you  forever,  to  commence  immediately  after 
his  death.  But  I  am  afraid  lest  being  old  he  should  dye  & 
neglect  it,  Therefore  I  think  it  proper  that  you  Continue  writ- 
ing to  him.  M^  Hollis  has  given  me  Some  hopes  that  he  will 
think  of  you  when  he  has  finish 't  what  he  intends  to  do  for 
Harvard  Colledge,  which  I'le  do  every  thing  in  my  power  to 
promote,  tho  I've  receiv'd  very  Severe  reprimands  from  some 
of  my  friends  in  Boston  for  having  made  application  to  him. 


I  am  S'' 

Your  Very  humble  Serv* 

Londo-  Middle  Temple  Jer  :  Dummer 

1^^  March  1720  [i.e.,  1720/21.] 

To  The  Rev<i-  M^  Woodbridge 
Minister  of  y^  Gospel 
at  Hartford  in 
Connecticut 


1721]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  213 

CXVIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  4,  1721 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  at  Yale  College,  April  4*^  1721. 


Then  present  the  ReV^ 


M^  Samuel  Andrew,  chosen  moderator 

M""  Timothy  Woodbridge, 

M^  Samuel  Russel, 

M^  Tho«  Buckingham, 

Mr  Thos  Ruggles, 

M^  Stephen  Buckingham  chosen  Scribe. 

Agreed  that  the  Rev<i  M^"  Cutler  be  allowed  fifteen  shillings  for 
extraordinary  necessary  Charges  upon  College  Affairs  and 
that  the  Rev<^  M^  Russel  give  order  to  the  Treasurer  to  pay  it. 
Voted. 

Agreed  that  fourty  Acres  of  Land  given  by  several  Gentlemen 
of  New  Haven  to  y^  College,  lying  to  the  Northwards  of 
Thomas  Munsons  be  sold  to  the  Rev*i  M^  Cutler  for  fourty 
Pounds ;  also  the  Lands  y*  L*-  Smith  of  West  Haven  gave  to 
the  College  be  sold  to  him  and  any  other  Lands  in  New  Haven 
given  to  the  College  that  may  be  sold,  excepting  the  Ten  Acres 
at  the  Town's  End.    Voted. 

Qu :  Whether  under  the  present  Circumstances  of  the  College 
it  be  expedient  for  us  to  advance  the  Price  of  Dyet,  sweeping 
&  making  Beds  beyond  four  Shillings  and  four  Pence  per 
Week.    Voted  in  the  Negative. 

Not  seing  reason  to  comply  with  Capt  Munson's  Proposal  we 
look  upon  our  Selves  at  Liberty  to  treat  with  any  other  Person 
to  supply  the  Place  of  a  Steward.  Voted.  x\ffirm*- 
Agreed  that  M^  John  Punderson  be  desired  to  take  Care  of 
getting  y®  College  Well  stoned  or  done  with  Bricks,  which  he 
thinks  best.  Voted. 
'Voted  that  the  Rev*^  M'"  Sam"  Russel  be  ordered  to  pay  M^ 


214  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1721 

John  Trowbridge  the  Sum  of  thirty  Pounds  when  he  has  fin- 
ished the  College  Garrets  according  to  Bargain;  &  also  that 
M^  Russel  be  ordered  to  pay  the  Rev*^  M^  Cutler  the  Remainder 
of  the  Hundred  and  ninety  Pounds  with  the  Interest  as  there 
shall  be  money  to  enable  him  in  the  Treasury.  Voted  that  the 
Rev<i  M^  Thos.  Ruggles  be  in  the  room  of  the  Rev<i  M^  Cutler 
with  the  Rev*^  M^  Andrew  &  Capt  Whiting  to  make  up  and 
allow  the  Accounts  of  the  sale  of  Governour  Yale 's  Goods  by 
M^  Russel  and  M^  Prout  and  see  it  w^ell  placed  upon  the  publick 
Records  and  that  it  be  done  with  convenient  Speed. 
Voted  that  the  Rev<i  M^"  Timothy  Woodbridge  receipt  of  M'" 
Samuel  Russel  the  Sum  of  Six  Pounds  to  be  taken  out  of  M'' 
John  Punderson's  Hands  of  Rents  of  College  Lands  to  be 
delivered  to  M^  John  Read  of  Lone  Town  and  also  all  the 
writings  referring  to  Maj'*  Fitch's  Farm. 
Voted  that  M^  Sam^^  Russel  be  ordered  &  impowered  to  use  all 
proper  Means  to  cover  the  Debt  due  to  the  College  in  Doct^ 
Peter  Carrington's  Hands. 

Capt°  Munson's  Stewardship  ending  next  Quarter  Day  M^ 
John  Punderson  is  chosen  at  this  meeting  to  succeed  in  the 
Stewardship  of  this  College  and  to  beginning  on  the  said 
Quarter  Day ;  and  he  has  accepted  y*  Place. 

Testis  Steph^  Buckingham  Scribe. 


CXIX.    A  Brief,  Issued  by  Order  of  the  Connecticut 
General  Assembly 

June  13,  1721 

[From  a  printed  copy  in  the  University  Library] 

A  Brief. 

Whereas  Upon  a  Representation  made  to  the  General 
Assembly  Holden  at  Hartford,  the  Eleventh  Day  of  May  last : 
It  appeared,  That  the  want  of  a  House  for  the  Rector  of  Yale 


1721]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  215 

College  at  New-Haven,  was  a  great  Disadvantage  to  the  good 
Order  and  Education  of  the  Students  there, 

And,  Among  the  several  Ways  which  were  Proposed  to 
supply  that  Defect,  and  raise  a  Sum  of  Money  for  that  End, 

It  was  thought  most  suitable  to  Endeavour  it,  in  such  a 
Method  as  might  give,  to  all  among  us,  who  wish  well  to  the 
Promoting  of  Learning  and  Piety,  design 'd  in  the  Founding 
of  that  Society,  the  most  agreeable  Opportunity  of  expressing 
their  Regard  thereto,  on  this  Occasion, 

And  Whereas  Thereupon  The  Assembly  taking  Encourage- 
ment, from  the  Generous  Donations  already  made  to  the  great 
Comfort  and  Support  of  that  Society,  by  Persons  of  Distinc- 
tion in  both  Englands, 

And  Moreover  Considering,  That  a  suitable  Portion,  out  of 
what  Divine  Providence  has  blessed  us  with,  being  Voluntarily 
Dedicated  to  Pious  Uses,  is  the  most  easy  and  acceptable  Way 
of  expressing  our  hearty  Gratitude,  to  Almighty  God,  the 
Fountain  of  all  the  Blessings  we  Enjoy;  To  whose  Goodness 
it  is  that  w^e  owe,  both  our  Ability  to  Contribute  for  the  En- 
couragement of  that  Society ;  and  all  the  growing  Hopes  we 
have  to  see  it  prove  a  great  Blessing, 

Resolved  &  Enacted,  That  there  be  a  Brief  for  a  Publick 
Contribution,  to  be  made  throughout  this  Colony,  for  the 
aforesaid  End, 

I  have  therefore  in  Pursuance  of  the  said  Resolution  and 
Order,  (by  and  with  the  Advice  and  Consent  of  the  Council) 
Appointed  the  Twenty-third  Day  of  July  next,  being  the 
Lord's  Day,  after  the  concluding  of  Divine  Worship  in  the 
Afternoon,  to  be  the  Time  for  attending  to  the  said  Con- 
tribution ;  And  the  Deacons  of  the  Respective  Congregations, 
or  in  their  Absence,  such  other  Person  as  the  Minister  of  the 
said  Congregation  shall  Appoint,  are  hereby  directed  to  re- 
ceive what  shall  be  Contributed;  and  to  give  Notice  as  soon 
as  may  be,  of  the  Sums  which  shall  be  so  Collected,  to  Me  in 
Council,  that  further  Orders  may  be  given,  for  the  Applica- 
tion of  them,  in  the  most  Effectual  manner  to  the  aforesaid 
Use. 


216  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1721 

And,  To  the  Intent  that  all  Persons  who  may  be  inclined  to 
Contribute  to  the  said  Vse,  may  be  acquainted  with  the  afore- 
said Resolve  of  this  Assembly,  and  the  Time  hereby  appointed 
for  attending  to  it. 

It  is  hereby  Recommended  to  the  Ministers  of  the  several 
To^vns  and  Parishes,  to  Publish  this  Order  in  their  respective 
Congregations,  on  the  Sabbath  Day,  before  that  herein  ap- 
pointed for  the  proposed  Contributions : 

And  the  Constables  of  the  several  Towns,  are  hereby  Re- 
quired, to  fix  this  Order,  in  some  Publick  Place  within  their 
respective  Precincts,  at  least  Fourteen  Days  before  the  afore- 
said Twenty  third  Day  of  July  next. 

Given  in  New-London  the  13*^-  Day  of  June,  Anno  Dom. 
1721.    In  the  Seventh  Year  of  His  Majesty's  Reign. 

G.  Saltonstall 


CXX.    Account  of  Sales  of  Goods  Sent  by  Elihu 

Yale 

June  28,  1721 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

An  Accompt  of  Sales  of  sundry  Goods  and  Merchandizes 
Shipd.  by  Thorns-  Sandford  of  London  (June  llti^-  1718)  for 
Acco*-  of  the  Honn''^-  Elihu  Yale  Esq^-  and  by  him  consigned 
to  the  Hon^i^-  William  Taylor  Esq^-,  at  Boston  In  New  England 
to  be  disposed  of  according  to  the  direction  of  the  said 
Honn^'^^e.  Elihu  Yale  Esq^-:  whose  directions  were  to  be  sold 
or  otherwise  Improved  for  the  Benefitt  of  the  Collegiate 
Schooll  In  New  Haven  In  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  accord- 
ing to  the  directions  of  the  Rev«i-  Trustees  of  the  said  Schooll. 

The  Acco*-  is  D^- 

to  Ball<^^-  In  favour  of  this  Acco*-  carryd  to  thel     ^^-    ^-    ^^ 
Acco*-  Annexed  I  387-12-0 


1721] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


217 


Cred^- 


lb. 


N^-  5 :  per  one  trunk  of  Goods  containing 

25  pieces  of  Garlix 

5  pieces  plain  Muslin 

18  pieces  of  Calico 

the  prime  cost  of  the  whole  being 

Sold  for  200  per  cent  advance  makes 


£69-14 
139-08 


209-02-00 


N<>-  6 :  per  1  trunk  containing 

17  pieces  of  Stufe 

12  pieces  Spanish  poplins 

2  pieces  of  black  and  white  silk  Crape 

3  pieces  of  Camlett 

the  prime  cost  of  the  whole  per  Acco*-  is 
Sold  for  the  advance  of  200  per  C*-  makes 


59-10 
119-00 


£178-10-00 


£387-12-00 


An  Acco*-  of  the  Improvement  of  the  Mony  produced  by  the 
Sale  of  sundry  Goods  Given  by  the  Hon^'^ie.  Elihu  Yale  of 
London  to  the  Collegiate  Schooll  In  New  Haven  In  the  Con- 
ecticut,  according  to  the  Direction  of  the  Donor. 


D^- 


To  Sundry  pajTnents  Into  the  Treasury  made 
by  the  order  of  the  Reverend  Trustees  of  the 
Collegiate  Schooll  In  New  Haven  per  Account 
on  the  Treas"'  Book 

To  Sundry  disburssments  for  materialls  and 
payments  to  the  workmen  at  the  building  as 
appears  by  M^-  Russells  Acc^-  In  part,  and  part 
by  the  Acco*-  of  the  Com**-  for  the  manageing 
the  Affair  of  the  Building  the  Colledge  house 


267-08-0 


110-15-0 


218 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY 


[1721 


It.  to  one  piece  and  half  of  Stufe  N^-  2:  not 
sold,  of  w<=^-  y®  prime  Cost  is  3-3-0;  advance 
of  2^  per  ct.  makes 


To  mony  p^  into  y®  Treas^y-  by  Cap*-  Smith  In 
part  for  the  Trunk  sold  Doct^-  Noyes 

To  mony  p^-  by  ditto  Smith  to  M'"-  Dixwell  for 
Glass  and  other  materialls  for  y^  Colledge 


009-09-0 

£387-12-0 
047-00-0 

055-02-4 


Cred^- 
By  the  ball<^e.  of  the  Acco*-  of  Sales  as  annexed  }     £387-12-00 

Ditto  Acco-  Cred^-  per  one  trunk  N^-  4  Sold  to 

Docf-  Oliver  Noyes  by  M^-  Edward  Lyde  the  [      175-00-00 

neat  product  as  per  Account 


£562-12-00 


to  mony  p^-  by  Cap*-  Munson  to 
the  Trustees 

to  mony  paid  by  Cap*-  Whiting  In 
full  of  Cap*-  Munsons  note  and  in 
full  for  that  trunk  sold  Do^-  Noyes 

p^-  to  the  Rev^-  Trustees 


012-19-5 


059-18-3 


£562-12-0 


A  true  Acco*  Save  Errors 
By 

Samuel  Russell 


New  Haven,  June  28*^^-  1721 


New  Haven,  June  28*^-  A.  D.  1721  the  foregoing  Acco*-  and 
all  the  perticuler  Acco*^-  thereto  Relateing  Examined  and 
Approved 

By  Us 

Samuel  Andkew 
Thomas  Ruggles 
Jos.  Whiting 


Com**-  appointed  by 
the  Rev*i-  Trustees 


1721]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  219 

CXXI.    Letter  of  Timothy  Cutler 

July  7,  1721 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  189-191,  Boston,  1904] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge,  of  Hart- 
ford. 

N.  Haven  July  7.  1721 
Revd-  Sir 

I  humbly  thank  you  for  your  Concern  ab*  y^  College  Mony 
to  be  procured  for  us  by  Cap*-  Wadsworth.  But  I  do  not 
understand  that  there  is  any  come  to  us  besides  w*  you  sent 
down  a  litle  while  agoe,  and  I  am  very  much  affected  with  it 
from  my  Engagement  in  y®  Purchase  I  have  made  of  a  House, 
for  which  I  shall  shortly  want  35^^  to  pay  y^  man,  besides 
another  55^^  y*  I  have  taken  upon  Interest  on  y  same  acco*- 

I  have  last  night  rec*^  a  Letter  from  His  Hon^-  Encouraging 
us  to  hope  M^  Yale  will  further  remember  us  in  such  an 
Annuity  as  you  Speek  of.  His  Hon'"-  writes,  That  He  sh*^- 
have  now  sent  to  M''  Hollis  by  y«  ships  going  for  England,  but 
that  He  could  never  obtain  a  sight  of  y®  Letter  which  the 
Trustees  formerly  wrote  to  Him  &  so  could  not  write  in  con- 
cert with  them.  I  suppose  He  never  was  addressed  by  the 
Trustees,  &  y*  w*  was  done  was  done  by  your  Self  in  a 
Letter  to  M^"  Dummer  taking  notice  of  M'"  Hollis 's  Generosity 
to  y®  College  of  Cam.  intimating  y*  we  tho't  He  would  not  be 
regardlesse  of  us  did  He  know  our  State ;  &  this  in  complyance 
mth  M^  Dummer 's  Motion 

Gov^-  Yale  hath  remembred  us  in  a  Present  of  105^^-  0.3. 
The  last  Post  bro't  a  Letter  from  M^"  Lyde  signifying  it  was 
in  his  hands  and  desireing  y«  Trustees  orders  ab*-  it.  M^" 
Russel  &  Andrew  &  Ruggles  wrote  down  to  Him  praying  His 
care  ab*-  ye  goods  till  further  Orders.  Now  y®  GoV-  hath 
sent  us  y®  Invoyce  from  Him.  with  a  Letter  also  fro  His  Hon""- 
They  are  in  a  Trunk;  Mohair  Buttons,  Stuffs,  Silk  sowing  &c. 


220  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1721 

He  supposes  thej^  will  sell  at  Boston  for  200  per  Cent,  but  to 
get  ready  Mony  is  Impracticable.  He  adds  y*  yy  have  the  good 
news  of  Col.  Tailer's  Arrival.  &  y*  there  is  a  Prospect  of  His 
being  again  on  y^  Establishment  for  a  Coll.  in  half  pay  & 
hopes  to  be  upon  his  return  home  sometime  in  Aug*-  next  The 
Gentlemen  here  have  tho  't  y*  y®  Goods  might  be  sold  in  these 
parts  to  much  better  advantage  than  In  Boston.  I  hope  Sir 
you  will  use  your  utmost  care  to  conceal  this  advice  I  now 
give  you,  least  it  totally  hinder  y^  Good  Effects  of  y®  Brief  out, 
as  y^  Gen^i-  news  we  are  affraid  in  part  will. 

I  almost  forgot  to  say  y*  y^  Gentlemen  Trustees  afores^- 
desired  M^"  Lyde  to  send  y^  Service  &  Thanks  to  M*"  Yale.  & 
to  signify  y*  He  might  expect  a  further  addresse  for  y*  and 
upon  y^  first  meeting  together 

I  am  Sir 

Your  H.  Serv*- 

T.  CUTLEB 


CXXII.    Act  of  the  Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October,  1721 

[From  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  pp.  282-283, 

Hartford,  1872] 

The  Rector's  house  on  College  Street,  built  in  part  by 
means  of  this  Act,  was  occupied  by  the  Rector  (or  Presi- 
dent) for  most  of  the  time  from  1722  to  1799;  and  was 
torn  down  in  1834. 

Additional  gifts  for  the  same  purpose  were  made  by 
the  Assembly  in  1722  from  debts  due  to  the  Colony. 

An  Act  for  the  better  Regulating  the  Duty  of  Impost 
upon  Rhum. 

Be  it  enacted That  from  and  after  the  first  day 

of  November  next,  all  masters  of  vessels  or  other  persons 


1721]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  221 

importing  any  rhum  into  this  Colony  shall,  in  the  first  port 
where  he  shall  enter  his  said  vessel  and  before  such  entry, 
produce  to  the  naval  officer  of  the  said  port  a  true  invoice  of 

the  number  of  gallons  of  rum  imported  in  such  vessel 

And  the  said  master  or  importer  shall  pay  to  the  said  naval 
officer  four  pence  per  gallon  for  every  gallon  of  rum  so 
imported  by  him  as  aforesaid,  excepting  only  such  rum  as 
shall  be  imported  directly  from  the  West  Indies  in  some 
vessel  part  owTied  by  one  or  more  inhabitants  of  this  Colony, 
in  which  case  the  master  or  importer  shall  pay  three  pence 

per  gallon 

What  shall  be  gained  by  the  impost  on  rum  for  two  years 
next  coming  shall  be  applied  to  the  building  of  a  rector's 
house  for  Yale  College. 


CXXIII.    Lettek  of  Gukdon  Saltonstall 

October  28,  1721 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

N  Haven,  Oct :  28,  1721 
Gentlemen, 

I  have  with  the  Consent  of  the  General  Assembly  ordered 
what  was  collected  by  the  late  Brief  for  a  Rectors  house,  into 
the  hands  of  y^-  Treasurer,  which  will  amount  to  about  one 
hundred  Pounds.  And  They  have  also  made  a  further  Pro- 
vision which  I  hope  will  procure  200^^  more  for  the  same  Ser- 
vice. Had  They  been  better  acquainted  with  the  State  of  the 
Colledge  Treasury,  they  might  have  done  more;  There  was 
some  discourse  of  making  Enquiry  into  It,  but  It  would  have 
taken  up  time,  and  was  deferred;  concluding  the  Provision 
already  made  would  answer  the  Occasion  with  what  might  be 
spared  from  your  Stock.  If  It  prove  otherwise  theres  no 
doubt  but  the  Country  will  advance  more,  and  not  Suffer  the 
College  to  be  under  such  disadvantages  as  It  must  needs  feel, 
while  the  Presid*-  lives  at  such  a  Distance. 


222  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1722 

I  doubt  not  but  you  will  enter  on  j^  Work  as  soon  as  the 
Season  will  admit,  and  am  glad  you  have  in  y^-  view  such  an 
able  Undertaker  as  M''-  Caner.  If  in  any  thing  relating  to  the 
Form  of  the  House  or  any  other  Matter  belonging  to  It,  my 
Thoughts  and  Assistance  may  be  any  Service  to  you,  I  shall 
be  glad  to  know  It,  and  forward  a  Work  so  exceeding 
Necessary. 

I  am      Rev*^-  Gentlemen 

Y^"-  very  humble  Serv*- 

G.  Saltonstall. 

The  Trustees  of  Yale  College. 


CXXIV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  4-6,  1722 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven 

April  4*11 1722. 

Samuel  Andrew  chosen  Moderator 

Timothy  Woodbridge, 

Samuel  Russel, 

Joseph  Webb, 

Thomas  Buckingham, 

Stephen  Buckingham, 

Eliphalet  Adams,  chosen  Scribe 


Then  present  the  Rev^  M^ 


It  was  Agreed  &  Voted  that  we  do  comply  with  the  demand 
which  the  Church  of  New  Haven  hath  made  (of  fourty  three 
Pounds)  for  the  Church  Lot  adjoyning  to  M^"  Atwater  And 
the  Rect^  &  Treasurer  are  ordered  to  pay  the  afores*^-  money 
&  take  a  sufficient  Deed  for  s<^-  Land  to  the  Rect^  &  Trustees 
&  their  Successors,  From  the  Pastor  &  Church  of  New  Haven. 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  223 

Ordered  that  M^  John  Prout  the  Treasurer  of  y«  College  do 
demand  the  subscriptions  which  were  made  to  the  College  that 
are  yet  behind  and  upon  refusal  of  Payment  that  he  do  prose- 
cute them  in  the  Law  at  the  Charge  of  the  College. 

Messieurs  Samuel  Russel,  Tho^  Buckingham  &  Eliphalet 
Adams  were  chosen  a  Committee  to  go  &  treat  &  agree  with 
M*"  Caner  about  the  Rector's  House. 

Messieurs  Sam^^  Andrew  Samuel  Russel  &  Timothy  Cutler 
three  of  the  Committee  who  were  appointed  to  treat  with  the 
Town  about  the  seating  of  the  Schollars  in  the  meeting  House 
declared  yy  could  not  agree  with  the  Town  about  that  matter 
upon  any  Terms  and  so  resigned  their  Trust. 

Agreed  with  M^  Caner  to  build  an  House  for  the  Rector  fourty 
four  1/4  foot  long,  thirty  eight  foot  wide  and  eighteen  foot 
Stud  with  a  Barn  &  well  the  House  to  be  fit  to  live  in  by  next 
Commencement  if  possible  for  which  he  is  to  have  600  Pounds 
400  of  which  to  paid  before  the  winter  &  the  rest  as  soon  as 
we  can  conveniently  do  it  allowing  him  Interest  for  the  last 
Two  Hundred  till  it  be  paid  reserving  a  Liberty  y*  if  any 
difficulty  or  Doubt  should  arise  about  the  Work  or  the  price 
the  matter  be  referred  to  indifferent  Persons  mutually  chosen. 
Voted. 

Upon  what  was  offered  to  the  Trustees  by  the  Committee  of 
the  Society  in  the  Town  of  New  Haven  respecting  y®  seating 
of  the  Schollars  in  y^  meeting  House,  It  was  agreed  &  Voted  y* 
an  Answer  should  be  returned  to  them  in  the  following  Terms. 


& 


April  the  5^^  1722 
Gentlemen 

We  have  considered  your  proposals  &  the  utmost  we  can 
offer  (in  Consideration  of  the  Schollars  y'"  having  the  one  Half 
of  the  foreseat  in  the  Front  Gallery  and  so  much  of  the  Seats 
behind  as  is  necessary  conveniently  to  contain  them  so  as  to 
sit  together)  for  the  Space  of  twenty  years  is  thirty  Pounds, 
but  if  a  new  meeting  House  should  be  set  up  before  the  Ex- 


224  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1722 

piration  of  s^-  Term  we  do  expect  there  should  be  a  deduction 
from  that  Sum  in  proportion,  &  whensoever  it  shall  be  erected 
the  Trustees  of  the  College  will  be  ready  to  agree  to  bear  y^ 
Proportion  of  the  Charge  of  y^  Building  provided  they  may 
have  the  Liberty  of  some  suitable  Accommodations  in  the 
front  Gallary  for  y«  Schollars  to  y®  Satisfaction  of  the  Trus- 
tees. 

With  respect  to  y*  Case  of  Hubbel  fallen  into  the  sin  of  Forni- 
cation and  afterwards  marryed  and  his  father  having  applyed 
to  us  to  have  his  Son  continued  in  the  College  upon  manifes- 
tation of  his  Repentance  we  agree  that  it  shall  be  declared  to 
him  that  we  Judge  it  inconsistent  with  y^  Glory  of  God  and 
the  Welfare  of  the  School  as  well  as  y^  Customs  &  practices 
of  Colleges  in  other  places  in  such  Cases  &  y*  it  will  be  very 
offensive  to  the  Country  y^  he  should  be  continued  as  a  member 
of  this  Society.    Voted  in  y^  Afirm*- 

Memorandum  April  6:  1722.  Captn  Munson  appeared  and 
after  some  Representation  of  his  Difficulties  and  Losses  sus- 
tained in  attending  the  Work  of  a  Steward  &c.  he  desired  that 
he  might  be  considered  on  the  Account  thereof. 


CXXY.      EXTKACT  FEOM  A  LETTER  OF  JoSEPH  MORGAN 

May  28,  1722 

[From  the  original  in  the  Library  of  the  American 
Antiquarian  Society] 

Addressed  to  the  Eev.  Cotton  Mather.  The  author, 
who  was  born  in  Groton,  Connecticut,  in  1672,  was  the 
pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Freehold,  New 
Jersey.  At  an  earlier  date  he  had  served  churches  in 
Bedford  and  East  Chester,  New  York,  and  Greenwich, 
Connecticut.  He  had  recently  received  the  honorary 
degree  of  Master  of  Arts  from  the  Yale  Trustees. 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  225 

From  East  Chester 
y«  28ti»-  of  May  1722 
Very  Rev<^-  Sir 

I  hear  some  in  Conecticut  complain  y*-  Arminian 

Books  are  cryed  up  in  Yale  Colledge  for  Eloquence  &  Learn- 
ing, &  Calvinists  despised  for  y^  contrary;  &  none  have  y^ 
courage  to  see  it  redressed.  I  know  nothing  personally,  but 
was  frighted  at  y^  Report,  &  were  I  assured  of  it,  w^  take  my 
Son  from  thence  I  have  received  such  Obligations  from  that 
Colledge,  y*-  if  I  appear,  as  Informer,  it  would  be  more  un- 
kindly taken  from  me  y^  from  any,  &  be  tho't  Ingratitude. 
You  may  inform  your  self;  for  if  it  be  true,  we  may  be 
alarmed,  &  every  man  ought  to  cast  in  his  mite  to  help  it. 

In  all  I  have  written  I  give  but  Suggesting  Hints,  &  hope 
not  to  be  named  in  y®  last,  &  am 

R.  Sir 

Your  Unworthy  Joseph  Morgan 


CXXVI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  13,  1722 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  s'^  College  in 
New  Haven  Sept^  13,  1722. 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Timothy  Woodbridge  chosen 

moderator, 
Samuel  Russel, 

Then  present  the  Rev^  M""  -i  rr,,       ^^     ,  .    ', 

Tho«-  Buckmgham, 

Stephen  Buckingham 

Thomas  Ruggles. 

the  Rev<i  M^"  Thomas  Ruggles  was 

chosen  Scribe. 


226  DOCUMENTABY  HISTORY [1722 

Agreed  that  there  be  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  at  Yale  College 
in  October  next  on  the  Tuesday  following  after  the  Beginning 
of  the  Sessions  of  the  Gen^-  Assembly. 


CXXVII.    Letter  of  John  Davenport  and  Stephen 

Buckingham 

September  25,  1722 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Collections  of  the  Massachusetts 
Historical  Society,  2d  series,  vol.  4,  pp.  297-301,  2d  ed., 
Boston,  1846] 

Two  other  letters  to  Cotton  Mather,  dated  one  week 
later,  and  relating  to  the  same  occurrences,  are  printed 
in  the  second  volume  of  the  same  series,  with  Mather's 
reply;  they  are  here  omitted,  as  adding  no  new  facts. 

Very  Reverend  Sirs, 

We  have  taken  it,  that  yourselves  were  consulted  upon  the 
first  erecting  a  collegiate  school  in  our  colony,  nor  can  we 
account  it  improper,  that  yourselves  and  our  reverend  fra- 
ternity in  the  principal  town  of  our  country  be  apprized  of  the 
dark  cloud  drawn  over  our  collegiate  affairs,  a  representation 
whereof  may  already  have  been  made  by  some  of  our  reverend 
brethren  Trustees :  But  if  not,  and  the  case  being  of  general 
concern,  we  are  willing  to  make  our  mournful  report,  how  it 
hath  been  matter  of  surprize  to  us  (as  we  conclude  it  hath 
been  or  surely  will  be  to  you)  to  find  how  great  a  change  a  few 
years  have  made  appear  among  us,  and  how  our  fountain, 
hoped  to  have  been  and  continued  the  repository  of  truth,  and 
the  reserve  of  pure  and  sound  principles,  doctrine  and  educa- 
tion, in  case  of  a  change  in  our  mother  Harvard,  shews  itself 
in  so  little  a  time  so  corrupt.  How  is  the  gold  become  dim ! 
and  the  silver  become  dross,  and  the  wine  mixt  with  water! 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  227 

Our  school  gloried  and  flourished  under  its  first  rector,  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Pierson,  a  pattern  of  piety,  a  man  of  modest  be- 
haviour, of  solid  learning,  and  sound  principles,  free  from  the 
least  Arminian  or  Episcopal  taint:  But  it  suffered  a  decay 
for  some  years,  because  of  the  want  of  a  resident  rector.  But 
who  could  have  conjectured,  that  its  name  being  raised  to 
Collegium  Yalense  from  a  GjTnnasium  Saybrookense,  it 
should  groan  out  Ichabod  in  about  three  years  and  an  half 
under  its  second  rector,  so  unlike  the  first,  by  an  unhappy 
election  set  over  it,  into  whose  election  or  confirmation,  or  any 
act  relating  to  him,  the  senior  subscriber  hereof  (though  not 
for  some  reason,  through  malice  or  mistake  bruited)  never 
came.  Upon  the  management  of  our  college  three  years  and 
an  half,  how  strangely  altered  is  the  aspect  thereof!  that  its 
regents,  sc.  rector  and  tutor  are  become  such  capable  masters 
of  Episcopal  leaven,  and  in  such  a  time  so  able  to  cause  how 
many  to  partake  of  it ! 

Upon  our  commencement,  Sept.  12,  the  rector  distinguished 
his  performance  by  the  closing  words  of  his  prayer,  which 
were  these,  viz.  and  let  all  the  people  say,  amen. 

On  the  evening  of  said  day,  it  was  rumoured  there,  that  on 
the  next  day  the  gentlemen  become  Episcopal,  designed  to 
propound  to  the  trustees  three  questions  [about  ordination] 


But  the  day  folloTvdng  the  commencement  after  dinner,  these 
gentlemen  appeared  in  the  library  before  the  trustees,  where 
many  other  ministers  were  present,  and  first  declared  them- 
selves viva  voce,  but  after  that,  on  the  direction  of  the  trus- 
tees, declared  themselves  in  writing,  a  copy  whereof  is  not 
with  us.    But  the  substance  thereof  is  this,  sc. 

Some  of  us  doubting  the  validity  of  Presbyterial  ordination 
in  opposition  to  Episcopal  ordination,  and  others  of  us  fully 
persuaded  of  the  invalidity  of  said  ordination,  shall  be  thank- 
ful to  God  or  man  helping  us  if  in  an  errour.  Signed,  Timothy 
Cutler,  John  Hart,  Samuel  Whittlesey,  Jared  Eliot,  James 
Wetmore,  Samuel  Johnson,  Daniel  Brown.  The  persons 
doubting  were  Mr.  Hart  and  Mr.  Whittlesey. 


228  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1722 

Consequent  to  this  declaration,  the  trustees  advised,  that 
the  doubters  continue  in  the  administration  of  the  word  and 
sacraments,  but  that  the  fully  persuaded  forbear  sacramental 
ministration,  until  the  meeting  of  the  trustees,  which  was  ap- 
pointed on  the  Tuesday  evening  at  New  Haven,  following  the 
opening  of  our  General  Assembly  there,  the  said  Tuesday 
being  the  16th  of  the  next  month.  The  trustees  also  advised, 
that  the  said  ministers  would  freely  declare  themselves  to 
their  respective  congregations. 

It  may  be  added,  that  Mr.  C.  then  declared  to  the  trustees, 
that  he  had  for  many  years  been  of  this  persuasion,  (his  wife 
is  reported  to  have  said  that  to  her  knowledge  he  had  for 
eleven  or  twelve  years  been  so  persuaded)  and  that  therefore 
he  was  the  more  uneasy  in  performing  the  acts  of  his  ministry 
at  Stratford,  and  the  more  readily  accepted  the  call  to  a  col- 
lege improvement  at  N.  Haven. 

But  then  if  he  knew  the  college  was  erected  for  the  education 
of  such  as  dissented  from  the  church  of  England  (and  how 
could  he  not  know  it)  and  knew  himself  not  one :  with  what 
good  faith  could  he  accept  said  call  and  the  considerable  en- 
couragement he  had,  and  the  rather  if  he  disseminated  his 
persuasion  so  contrary  to  the  very  design  of  its  erection,  and 
the  confidence  of  those  that  called  him.  Indeed  he  hath  said, 
that  he  hath  laboured  only  with  one  to  be  of  his  persuasion : 
Were  it  so,  there  would,  in  one  instance,  be  a  foul  frustration 
of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him,  but  what  a  number  above 
one  of  the  students  have  been  leavened  by  him,  who  can  be 
assured,  but  coming  time  may  discover  the  unhappy  instances 
of  it 

It  must  be  acknowledged  to  the  divine  goodness,  that  all 
the  trustees  then  present  (and  of  the  whole  number  wanted 
only  three,  sc.  of  Lime,  N.  London,  Stamford)  shewed  them- 
selves constant  to  your  principles,  and  affected  to  the  trust 
committed  to  them:  yet  desirous  that  the  meeting  of  the 
trustees  might  (if  possible)  be  fuller,  and  also  their  doings 
might  be  in  the  face  of  the  colony,  represented  in  General  As- 
sembly, they  took  care,  that  M^-  C.  might  have  the  use  of  the 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  229 

house  they  had  hired  for  him  until  the  Wednesday  next  after 
the  opening  of  the  General  Court,  viz.  October  17 

We  subscribe  ourselves,  Reverend  Sirs, 
Your  unworthy  fellow-partners 
in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel, 


John  Davenport, 
S.  Buckingham. 


Stamford,  Sept.  25, 1722. 


The  very  Reverend, 

Increase  Mather,  D.  D. 
Cotton  Mather,  D.  D. 


CXXVIII.    Relation^  of  the  Declaration  of  Rectoe 
Cutler  and  Others  for  Episcopacy 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Collections  of  the  Massachusetts  His- 
torical Society,  2d  series,  vol.  2,  pp.  137-138.  Boston, 
1814] 

This  anonjroious  relation  was  probably  written  in 
October,  1722. 

A  faithful  relation  of  a  late  occurrence  in  the  churches  of 
New-England. 

New-England  has  lately  had  in  it  an  occurrence,  that  has 
been  a  matter  of  some  surprise,  and  much  discourse,  unto  the 
country. 

The  colony  of  Connecticut  being  Availing  to  have  their 
churches  well  supplied,  from  an  education  in  the  principles 
which  moved  their  predecessors  to  settle  in  those  parts  of  the 
world,  erected  not  long  ago  a  college  at  New-Haven.  This 
little  college  or  collegiate  school,  which  wears  the  name  of 
Yale  College,  was  lately  so  unhappy  as  to  borrow  a  pastor  of 
a  church  at  Stratford,  whose  name  is  Mr.  Timothy  Cutler,  for 


230  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1722 

a  rector.  This  man  was  a  secret  Episcopalian,  of  such  high 
flights  that  he  looks  upon  his  Presbyterian  ordination  as  a 
nullity ;  and  the  acts  of  his  ministry  as  invalid ;  and  his  invita- 
tion to  the  rectorate  of  that  collegiate  school,  was  the  more 
agreeable  to  him  for  its  delivering  him  from  a  ministry  which 
he  took  to  be  a  cheat:  it  also  gave  him  an  opportunity  pri- 
vately to  destroy  the  principal  intention  of  the  academy,  and 
blow  up  the  churches  which  he  appeared  a  friend  unto.  He 
privately  for  some  time  carried  on  a  conversation  with  several 
young  ministers  of  the  neighbouring  churches,  whose  frequent 
meetings  at  his  house  were  what  the  people  knew  not  what 
interpretation  to  put  upon.  At  last,  by  a  strange  coincidence 
of  several  circumstances,  the  plot  broke  out  sooner,  than  it 
is  thought  they  would  have  had  it ;  for  on  September  13th,  the 
day  after  their  commencement,  these  men  appeared  in  the 
publick  library  before  the  trustees  of  the  college,  and  many 
other  ministers;  and  there  exhibited  a  short  instrument 
wherein  they  declared  that  some  of  them  doubted  the  validity, 
and  others  of  them  were  fully  persuaded  of  the  invalidity  of 
their  Presbyterian  ordination:  signed  by  Cutler  the  rector, 
and  Brown  a  tutor  of  the  school;  and  five  more  that  were 
young  ordained  pastors  of  churches  in  the  neighbourhood. 
The  trustees  were  very  much  distressed  on  an  occasion  so 
unexpected,  and  so  likely  to  be  attended  with  a  train  of  un- 
happy consequences;  but  they  treated  the  men  mth  all  the 
charity,  and  lenity,  and  forbearance  that  the  case  would 
possibly  admit  of.  .  .  .  .  .  . 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  231 

CXXIX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

October  17-22,  1722 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  College  Li- 
brary at  New  Haven  October  17. 1722. 

Then  present  the  Rev<i  Messieurs. 


Samuel  Andrew, 
Timothy  Woodbridge, 
Samuel  Russel, 
Joseph  Webb, 
John  Davenport, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Stephen  Buckingham, 
Thomas  Ruggles, 
Eliphalet  Adams. 


1.  By  Vote  agreed  that 
the  Rev<i  M^  Tim :  Wood- 
bridge  be  chosen  modera- 
tor of  the  present  meeting. 

2.  That  M^  John  Daven- 
port be  the  scribe  of  this 
present  meeting. 

3.  By  Vote  agreed  that 
the  general  Assembly  now 
sitting  be  petitioned  by  an 
Act  to  grant  the  Trustees 
of  Yale  College  a  Seal. 

4.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  Rev^  M^*  Moderator  &  M^  Adams 
apply  to  the  general  Court  for  granting  said  Seal. 

5.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  Rev<i  M^  Russel  &  M^  Ruggles  be 
requested  and  appointed  to  Collect  the  scattered  Papers  con- 
taining the  Acts  of  the  Trustees  from  the  Beginning  untill 
now  all  that  can  be  come  at  and  enter  them  in  the  Record  Book 
of  Yale  College  according  to  Instructions  given  them. 

6.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  Rev^*^  M^"  Tho^-  Buckingham  and 
M^  Eliphalet  Adams  move  to  M^"  Cutler  and  in  the  Name  of 
The  Trustees  ask  of  him  an  account  of  the  Trustees  Dues  to 
him  as  Rector  signed  by  his  o^Yn  Hand. 

7.  By  Vote  agreed  that  this  order  be  to  M^  Prout  Treasurer 
in  these  Words  Viz.  To  M^  Prout  Treasurer,  Sir  these  are  to 
order  you  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  to  the  Rev<^  M'"  Adams 


232  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1722 

twelve  Pounds  in  currant  publick  Bills  of  credit  to  answer  the 
Cost  of  Court  att  New  London.  Signed  by  Order  of  the 
Trustees  John  Davenport. 

8.  M'"  Cutler  has  laid  before  the  Trustees  his  Account  of  what 
he  expected  finally  of  the  Trustees. 

9.  The  Trustees  by  Vote  agree  in  Faithfulness  to  the  Trust 
reposed  in  them  to  excuse  the  Rev^  M^  Cutler  a  further  Service 
as  Rector  in  Yale  College. 

10.  The  Trustees  by  Vote  agree  to  accept  the  Resignation 
M^  Brown  hath  made  at  the  last  Commencement  of  his  Tutors 
Place  and  for  his  service  since  offer  him  five  Pounds. 

11.  By  Vote  agreed  on  this  Meeting  &  on  future  meetings 
the  necessary  Expences  of  the  Trustees  be  born  at  the  Charge 
of  the  College  Treasury. 

12.  The  Paper  given  to  M^  Cutler  was  in  these  Words  Viz.  A 
Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven 
October  17.  1722. 

The  Trustees  in  faithfulness  to  the  Trust  reposed  in  them  do 
excuse  M^  Cutler  a  further  Service  as  Rector  in  Yale  College. 
Signed  by  Order  of  the  Trustees  John  Davenport  Scribe. 

13.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  Rev<i  M^  Cutler  late  Rector  of 
Yale  College  have  twenty  Pounds  in  currant  Bills  of  credit 
ordered  him  out  of  the  College  Treasury. 

Upon  it  this  Order  given  to  M^  Cutler 

To  Mr  John  Prout  Treasurer  New  Haven  ocf  22.  1722. 

Sir  These  order  you  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  to  the  Rev^ 
M^  Timothy  Cutler  twenty  Pounds  in  Currant  Bills  of  credit 
out  of  the  College  Treasury.  Signed  per  Order  John  Daven- 
port Scr. 

14.  M''  Cutler  executed  a  Deed  of  Sale  of  fourty  Acres  of 
Land  To  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  Ocf  22.  1722.  acknowl- 
edged before  James  Wadsworth  Assistant. 

15.  Mr  Timo-  Cutler  late  Rect^  of  Yale  College  his  full  Acquit- 
tance &  Discharge  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  from  all 
Dues,  Debts  and  Damages  whatsoever  from  the  Beginning  of 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  233 

the  World  to  the  Day  of  the  Date  of  the  22^  Day  of  October 
1722. 

16.  By  Vote  agreed  that  all  such  Persons  as  may  hereafter 
be  elected  to  the  Office  of  Rector  or  Tutor  in  Yale  College 
shall  before  they  are  accepted  thereinto  before  the  Trustees 
declare  their  Assent  to  the  Confession  of  Faith  owned  &  con- 
sented to  by  the  Elders  &  messengers  of  the  Churches  in  y« 
Colony  of  Connecticut  in  New  England  assembled  by  delaga- 
cion  at  Saybrook  Sepf  9**^-  1718,  &  confirmed  by  Act  of 
General  Assembly  and  shall  particularly  give  Satisfaction  to 
them  of  the  Soundness  of  their  Faith  in  opposition  to  Arme- 
nian &  prelatical  Corruptions  or  any  other  of  Dangerous  Con- 
sequence to  the  Purity  &  Peace  of  our  Churches  but  if  it 
cannot  be  before  the  Trustees  it  be  in  y®  Power  of  any  two 
Trustees  with  the  Rec^  to  examine  a  Tutor  with  respect  to  the 
Confession  &  soundness  of  Faith  in  Opposition  to  s^-  Corrup- 
tions. 

17.  By  Vote  agreed  that  upon  just  Ground  of  Suspicion  of 
the  Rectors  or  Tutors  Inclination  to  Armenian  Principles  or 
Prelatical,  A  meeting  of  the  Trustees  shall  be  called  as  soon 
as  may  be  by  any  two  of  them  to  examine  into  the  Case. 

18.  By  Vote  agreed  that  if  any  other  Officer  or  member  of 
this  College  shall  give  just  Ground  of  Suspicion  of  their 
being  corrupted  with  Armenian  or  prelatical  Principles  or 
any  other  of  dangerous  Consequence  to  the  Purity  &  Peace 
of  our  Churches  the  Rector  &  Tutor  or  Tutors  shall  call  them 
upon  examination  according  to  the  Articles  of  said  Con- 
fession that  are  contrary  to  the  said  Principles  &  in  Case  they 
either  refuse  to  submit  thereunto  or  do  not  give  a  satisfying 
Account  of  their  Incorruptness  they  shall  suspend  them  to  the 
next  meeting  of  the  Trustees. 

19.  By  a  full  &  universal  Vote  agreed  that  M^  James  Pier- 
point  &  M^  William  Smith  are  nominated  &  elected  Tutors  of 
Yale  College  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

20.  By  a  full  Vote  agreed  that  there  be  a  present  supply  of 
a  Resident  Rector  in  Yale  College. 


234  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1722 

21.  By  a  full  Vote  agreed  y*  S^  Russel  be  elected  Butler  of 
Yale  College. 

22.  By  a  full  Vote  agreed  that  The  Rev^  M''  Timo  Wood- 
bridge  of  Hartford  be  desired  to  accept  the  Place  of  resident 
Reef  in  Yale  College  untill  the  meeting  of  the  Trustees  which 
is  hereby  appointed  to  be  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  next. 

23.  M^"  James  Pierpoint  &  M^  William  Smith  before  the 
Trustees  declared  their  Assent  to  our  s<^-  Confession  &  the 
soundness  of  their  Faith  in  Opposition  to  Arminian  &  pre- 
latical  Corruptions  &  others  that  might  be  of  dangerous  Con- 
sequence to  the  Purity  &  Peace  of  our  Churches. 

24.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  Rev<i  M^  Moss  of  Derby  &  the 
Rev<i  M""  Noyes  of  New  Haven  have  one  or  other  of  them  a 
resident  Inspection  over  the  College  untill  an  Answer  be 
obtained  from  the  Rev^  M^  Woodbridge  which  if  it  be  negative 
a  Trustee  Meeting  forthwith  be  called  by  any  two  of  the 
Trustees. 


CXXX.    Action  of  the  Connecticut  Genekal 
Assembly  Respecting  a  College  Seal 

October,  1722 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

There  is  no  trace  of  the  use  of  a  seal  before  the  year 
1738. 

Whereas  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  have  moved  to  this 
Assembly  that  they  may  be  granted  a  Common  Seal,  to  be 
improved  in  and  about  the  Affairs  of  that  College,  whereby 
the  Trustees  of  s<^-  College  from  time  to  time  may  confirm  & 
ratify  what  they  act  &  do  in  y*'  capacity  of  Trustees.  Be  It 
enacted  by  the  GoV-  Assistants  &  Deputies,  that  the  s^- 
Trustees  shall  and  may  forever  hereafter  have  a  Common 
Seal,  to  serve  &  use  for  all  Causes  Matters  things  and  affairs 
whatsoever,  relating  to  the  s<i-  College  &  unto  the  Trust  re- 


1722]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  235 

posed  in  them  with  respect  to  the  same,  and  the  same  to  alter 
change  break  &  make  new  from  time  to  time  at  their  Wills  & 
Pleasures  as  They  shall  think  fitt. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secrefy- 

In  the  Lower  House  read  &  concurr'd. 

Test  Thomas  Kimberly  Clerk. 


CXXXI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

November  21,  1722 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  assembled  in  the 
Library  Nov^r-  21, 1722. 

Timothy  Woodbridge  chosen  Moderator. 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Samuel  Russel, 

Joseph  Webb, 

John  Davenport, 

Thomas  Ruggles, 

Stephen  Buckingham, 

Eliphalet  Adams, 

Tho^-  Buckingham  chosen  Scribe. 

Agreed  by  Vote  y*  some  meet  Persons  be  desired  alternately 
for  one  month  each  to  Supply  the  Place  of  a  Rect^  to  the 
School  till  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Trustees. 
Agreed  that  if  any  Student  shall  go  into  a  Tavern  Victualling 
House  or  Inn  to  eat  or  drink  except  he  be  called  by  his  parents 
or  Guardians  or  some  such  Person  as  the  Rector  or  Tutor 
shall  accept  of  or  spend  his  Time  there  &  be  convicted  thereof 
he  shall  be  obliged  publickly  to  confess  his  Fault  &  In  Case  he 
shall  refuse  so  to  do  shall  be  publickly  admonished  &  for  the 


Then  present  the 
Rev<i  Messieurs 


236  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY  [1722 

Second  Offence  of  that  Kind  shall  be  degraded  &  for  the  third 
expelled. 

Agreed  to  allow  Arnold  twenty  Shillings  for  his  Time  and 
Expence  in  his  Journey  to  Norwalk  on  the  Service  of  the 
School. 

By  Vote  agreed  that  M'*  Law  be  allowed  six  Shillings  per  diem 
for  the  Time  he  spent  at  the  Desire  of  the  Trustees  in  M^ 
Cutler's  Business  at  Stratford  &  that  M^*  Andrew  see  him 
paid  out  of  y^  Treasury 

Agreed  that  each  Undergraduate  in  this  School  shall  quarterly 
pay  Six  pence  for  his  Seat  in  the  meeting  House  &  be  charged 
with  it  in  his  Quarter  Bills. 

Agreed  that  if  any  Undergraduate  shall  bring  or  cause  to  be 
brought  into  the  College  any  Quantity  of  Rum  or  other  Strong 
Liquors  without  the  Leave  of  the  Rector  or  Tutor  &  be  thereof 
convicted  he  shall  be  degraded. 

Agreed  that  if  any  Undergraduate  shall  behave  himself  con- 
temptuously towards  the  Rector  or  Tutor  or  any  other  of  his 
Superiors  Contrary  to  y^  Law  of  the  College  in  that  Case 
provided  &  be  thereof  convicted  he  shall  for  the  first  Offence 
be  publickly  admonished  except  he  do  ingeniously  confess 
his  Fault  &  for  the  Second  Oifence  be  degraded. 
Agreed  that  the  Rector  &  Tutor  or  Tutors  for  the  Time  being 
shall  have  Power  to  execute  the  Laws  made  for  the  well  order- 
ing this  Society  till  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  except 
the  Penalty  be  expulsion  &  in  that  Case  with  the  Advice  & 
Consent  of  two  or  three  of  the  Trustees  they  may  remove  them 
from  ye  College  till  the  said  Meeting.        Voted. 

Testis  Tho^-  Buckingham  Scribe. 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  237 

CXXXII.    Extract  feom  a  Letter  of  Jeremy  Dummer 

March  8,  1723 
[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

Addressed  to  Governor  Saltonstall. 

Sr. 

The  Suit  in  Doctors  Commons  about  the  legacy 

to  Yale  Colledge  goes  on  well  in  y^  main  &  has  a  good  prospect. 
There  is  indeed  one  unfavourable  Circumstance  attending  it 
which  I  did  not  know  till  this  Week,  that  y^  Preamble  to  y« 
Will  &  ye  Schedule  were  distinct  Papers  &  found  in  different 
places.  This  will  be  an  Objection  but  I  beleive  not  strong 
enough  to  hinder  the  Probate 

Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  Servant 

Jer.  Dummeb 
Middle  Temple 

8th-  March  1722/3 

CXXXIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  17,  1723 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  assembled  in  the 
Library  April  17, 1723. 

Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Samuel  Russel, 

John  Davenport, 

Thos-  Ruggles, 

Stephen  Buckingham, 

Eliphalet  Adams, 

Tho^-  Buckingham  Scribe. 


Then  present  the  Rev<i  M^ 


238  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1723 

Proposed,  That  M'"  Nathaniel  Williams  of  Boston  be  chosen 
Rector  of  Yale  College.  Voted  in  the  Afiirmative. 
Proposed,  that  if  any  Undergraduate  shall  absent  himself 
from  his  Study  in  Studying  Time  contrary  to  the  former  Part 
of  the  seventh  Law  he  shall  be  amerced  six  pence  for  each 
Transgression  of  that  Nature  he  shall  be  convicted  of.  Voted. 
Proposed,  that  the  Senior  Tutor  of  Yale  College  to  whom  the 
Care  of  the  Books  is  committed  have  Liberty  to  lend  Books 
out  of  the  Library  to  the  Graduates  &  the  Senior  Sophisters 
resodomg  here  but  to  no  other  Person  except  with  y^  Allow- 
ance of  the  Trustees  or  the  Rector.  Voted. 
Agreed  &  Voted  that  M^"  Adams  in  the  Name  of  the  Trustees 
write  to  M^  Nathaniel  Williams  of  Boston  to  Sollicit  him  to 
accept  the  Rectorship  of  Yale  College  to  w^  he  has  been  elected 
&  inform  w*  they  are  able  at  present  to  afford  him  towards  his 
Subsistence  in  that  Post  as  also  that  if  he  gives  them  In- 
couragement  he  will  take  that  Care  &  Trust  upon  him  they  will 
provide  some  meet  Person  to  wait  upon  him  hither. 
Proposed,  that  M^  Woodbridge  be  desired  to  take  the  Rec- 
torial Care  of  this  School  untill  &  at  the  next  Commencement 
&  to  reside  in  it  as  much  as  may  be  But  if  declined  that  M^ 
Andrew  be  desired  to  perform  the  Service  if  this  cant  be  ob- 
tained that  M^  Woodbridge,  M^  Andrew,  M^  Russel,  M^  Daven- 
port &  M^  Adams,  be  desired  each  of  'em  his  Month  to  take  y® 
Oversight  of  it  as  pro  temporary  Rectors  &  if  this  can't  be 
that  M^  Andrew,  M^  Russel,  M^  Ruggles  do  one  or  other  of  'em 
weekly  visit  y^  College  &  as  Occasion  calls  for  it  assist  the 
Tutors  in  the  Government  of  it  (as  provided  by  the  last  meet- 
ing of  the  Trustees)  untill  the  next  Commencement  unless 
yre  be  a  resident  Rect^  before  y*  Time.  Voted  affir*- 
Proposed  that  the  Gentlemen  who  resided  here  (as  Rectors) 
in  a  constant  manner  be  allowed  as  a  Reward  for  y  Service 
as  such  at  the  Rate  of  an  Hundred  and  fourty  Pounds  per 
Annum  &  the  other  in  proportion  to  y®  Time  they  spent  here 
which  shall  be  adjusted  by  any  three  of  y®  Trustees  present 
Voted  Affirmative. 

Testis  Tho*^-  Buckingham  Scribe. 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  239 

CXXXIV.    Letter  of  Nathaniel  Williams 

May  13,  1723 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author  was  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College  in  1693, 
and  headmaster  of  the  Public  Free  Grammar  School  in 
Boston  since  1708. 

Boston  May  13^^-  1723. 
Rev<i-  S"- 

I  do  with  Thankfullness  acknowledge  the  great  Respect  you 
have  sho^\^l  me  in  your  Election  of  me  to  the  Rectorship  of 
your  College. 

When  the  notice  was  first  given  me  of  it  by  your  Honourable 
Govern^-,  I  thought  my  self  obliged  to  give  it  a  room  in  my 
more  serious  Thoughts,  and  have  ever  since  endeavourd  to 
treat  it  with  a  Solemnity  becomming  an  affair  of  so  great 
moment:  The  weighty  Considerate-  under  which  his  Honour 
left  it  upon  my  thoughts  have  had  their  due  impression  upon 
me,  and  altho  they  found  me  already  placed  in  a  Station 
wherein  I  have  been  and  may  still  be  serviceable  to  the  great 
interests  of  Learning  &  Religion,  yet  I  was  ready  to  hearken 
to  any  Call  of  the  same  Providence  that  placed  me  in  That, 
to  a  removal  to  some  other,  wherein  I  might  be  more  so,  tho 
I  might  be  called  thereby  to  deny  my  self  of  many  desireable 
Interests. 

And  when  it  came  more  Immediately  &  Fully  from  your 
Selves,  w^ith  whom  that  affair  was  betrusted,  I  thought  my  self 
obliged  still  more  solemnly  to  consider  it,  and  to  seek  the  guid- 
ance of  Divine  Providence  therein,  and  meekly  to  submitt  my 
self  to  whatever  it  might  direct  to,  and  carefully  to  weigh 
every  thing  that  has  offerd  to  guide  me  thereto. 

And  whereas  there  are  Others,  my  Wife  and  Family  par- 
ticularly, greatly  concern 'd  in  the  determinate^,  I  have  thought 
my  self  obliged  to  consult  them,  to  lead  me  herein,  and  ac- 
cordingly have  laid  before  their  serious  thoughts,  the  Salary 


240  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1723 

you   have   offerd   to    encourage   them   to    comply   with   the 
Proposal. 

And  since  I  find  these  so  averse  to  comply  with  your  present 
offers,  I  must  give  you  this  result  of  my  thoughts — viz*-  That 
tho  I  would  think  my  self  obliged  to  sacrifice  my  own  ease  and 
private  Satisfact"  to  the  Service  of  God  and  the  great  inter- 
ests of  Religion,  yet  I  cannot  think  my  self  obliged  to  urge  my 
Wife  and  Family  to  that  which  may  hereafter  make  them 
uneasie. 

These  are  my  present  thoughts  under  the  views  in  which 
the  Proposal  lyes  before  me  now,  &  I  choose  that  they  should 
be  Determinate  and  Conclusive,  that  the  Interests  of  that  So- 
ciety may  not  suffer  by  any  farther  delays  of  mine.  I  pray 
God  direct  you  to  One  that  may  better  supply  and  adorn  that 
important  Trust,  and  to  build  up  that  Society  wherein  so 
much  of  your  Glory  as  well  as  the  great  Interest  of  his  King- 
dom is  so  greatly  concern  'd.    I  am 

Rev«^-  S^s.  Yr-  humble  Serv*- 


Nath^-  Williams. 


To  the  Rev<J-  Trustees  of  Yale  College 
in  Connecticutt 


CXXXV.    Lettee  of  Jeeemy  Dummer 

June  3,  1723 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  194-196,  Boston,  1904] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge,  of  Hart- 
ford. 

Dear  S'"- 

I  have  two  letters  to  thank  you  for,  one  of  Sept'"-,  &  the  Other 
of  Nov^-  last.  You  have  heard  before  now  of  the  death  of  M^"- 
Brown,  the  youngest  of  the  three  ministers  who  came  over 
here  from  Your  Colony Our  News  papers  have  told 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  241 

us  that  M'"-  Cutler  is  made  a  Docti"-  of  Divinity  at  Oxford,  & 
Mr-  Johnson  Master  of  Arts,  but  I  think  it  is  not  true,  tho  it's 
very  probable  it  may  be  true  in  a  little  while  for  they  are  gone 
to  the  University  with  that  view.  When  these  Gentlemen 
came  first  over,  I  shew'd  them  the  civility  of  a  countrejTnan, 
but  resolv'd  not  to  meddle  in  their  Affairs,  &  accordingly  I 
did  not  accompany  them  to  any  Bishop  or  other  great  person 
of  my  acquaintance.  I  was  the  more  cautious  in  my  carriage 
towards  them,  because  I  understood  by  letters  from  Boston 
that  their  defection  from  the  religion  of  their  Country  was 
owing  to  the  Library  I  had  sent  over,  with  this  particular 
Slander,  that  I  had  filPd  the  Library  with  every  book  for  the 
Church  &  not  one  of  the  Other  Side.  You,  S'"-,  that  have  Seen 
the  books,  know  that  the  reverse  of  this  is  true,  &  that  there 
never  was  an  Eminent  Dissenter  &  Author  whose  Avorks  are 
not  in  that  Collection.  Unless  some  of  the  books  are  lost  or 
Stollen  (which  indeed  I  hear)  You'l  find  Goodwin,  Owen, 
Baxter,  How,  Bates,  Carryl,  Manton,  Charnock,  Pool,  Henry, 
Calamy ;  &  Others  who  have  learnedly  oppos  'd  the  Ceremonys 
&  Hierarchy  of  the  Church,  such  as  Didoclavius,  Ames,  Peirce 
&  Others.  And  yet  I  find  I  have  bin  reproach 't  as  before 
mention 'd,  which  will  discourage  me  from  sending  any  more 

books  At  least  'till  I  hear  from  you  about  it 

The  validity  of  M^-  Yale's  will  is  not  yet  determin'd,  but  is 
depending  in  Doctor's  Commons 

I  am  with  great  regards 
S^- 

Y^-  very  humble  Ser*- 

Jer.  Dummer 
Middle  Temple 
3d-  June  1723 

M'"-  Woodbridge 


242 DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY [1723 

CXXXVI.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Jeremy 

DUMMER 

July  22, 1723 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

Addressed  to  Governor  Saltonstall. 

S^- 

I  am  still  in  the  Commons  about  Gov^-  Yale 's  will : 

because  the  Sons  in  Law  use  every  art  of  delay 

I  am  S''- 

Y^-  most  Obed*-  Serv*- 

Jer:  Dummer 
Middle  Temple 
22<i-  July  1723 

Colo-  Saltonstal 

CXXXVII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Moses  Noyes 

September  3,  1723 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Letter  Book  of  Judge  Samuel  Sewall 
(to  whom  the  letter  was  addressed),  vol.  1,  pp.  14-15, 
Boston,  1886] 

Much  Honoured  S""-, 

It  was  a  wrong  Step  when  the  Trustees  by  the 

Assistance  of  Great  Men  removed  the  College  from  Saybrook, 
&  a  worse  when  they  put  in  Mr.  Cutler  for  Rector.  The  first 
Movers  for  a  College  in  Connecticut  alledged  this  as  a  Reason, 
because  the  College  at  Cambridge  was  under  the  Tutorage  of 
Latitudinarians,  but  how  well  they  have  mended,  the  Event 
sadly  manifests 

Your  Friend  and  Serv*- 

Moses  Noyes. 
Lyme,  Sept.  3, 1723. 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  243 


CXXXVIII.     Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Gurdon 

Saltonstall 

September  6,  1723 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  p.  197,  Boston,  1904] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge. 

NLond.  Sept:  6.  1723 
S'- 

Not  only  my  Broth^  Roger's  visit  but  several  other  Affairs 
relating  to  the  pubhck  at  this  Juncture,  have  obliged  me  to 
lay  aside  all  Thoughts  of  being  at  the  Commencement. 

Upon  which  I  have  in  a  Lettr  to  M  Andrew  suggested  my 
Thoughts  relating  to  the  better  government  of  the  Colledge,  as 
particularly  to  the  setling  of  a  Resident  Rector.  It  is  not  that 
I  have  any  Inclination  to  insert  my  Self  into  Matters  com- 
mitted to  y®  Care  of  the  Trustees,  but  as  I  hope  and  believe  "VVe 
are  of  one  mind  to  promote  the  Benefit  of  y*  Society,  I  con- 
cluded the  Freedom  I  have  taken,  would  not  be  thought  amiss 
of.  If  any  thing  should  happen  of  a  Contrary  Nature;  You 
may  be  assured,  and  I  desire  You  to  Assure  all  the  Gentlemen 
concern 'd  with  You,  that  notwithstanding  what  I  have  hinted, 
I  heartily  wish  well  to,  whatsoever  Resolves  You  shall  come  to 
relating  to  that  Affair ;  But  I  hope  You  will  think  it  necessary, 
that  much  more  time  Should  not  be  lost,  in  filling  up  that 
Vacancy 

I  am  S'' 

Y'"  very  humble  Servt 

G:  Saltonstall. 


244  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1723 


CXXXIX.      EXTKACT  FEOM   A   LETTER  OF   JeREMY 

DUMMER 

September  10,  1723 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  197-199,  Boston,  1904] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge,  of  Hart- 
ford. 

Dear  S'" 

I  am  going  on  with  my  Suit  in  Doctor's  Commons 

for  the  probate  of  M^"  Yale's  imperfect  will,  as  fast  as  the 
Slow  proceedings  of  that  Court,  &  the  Studyed  delays  of  the 
Administratrix  will  permit.  I  am  endeavouring  to  make  Some 
Oblique  impressions  on  M^  Hollis  in  your  favour,  for  there's 
no  attacking  him  directly  He  being  very  much  a  humourist. 
When  he  does  any  thing,  He  must  do  it  ex  mero  motu,  &  not 
seem  to  be  influenc'dby  any  body 

I  am  S'* 


Y^-  faithful!  humble  Serv* 

JeR  :  DUMMER 


Middle  Temple 
IQti^  Sept^-  1723 

M^"  Woodbridge 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  245 

CXL.    Pkoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  11,  1723 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  assembled  in 
the  Library  Sep*  11, 1723. 

Timothy  Woodbridge  chosen  Moderator, 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Samuel  Russel, 

John  Davenport, 

Tho^-  Buckingham, 

Tho^-  Ruggles  chosen  Scribe. 

Eliphalet  Adams. 


Then  present  the 
Rev<i  M^ 


Agreed  that  Capt  Munson  be  allowed  ten  Pounds  five  Pounds 
now  and  five  Pounds  as  soon  as  some  of  our  necessary  Charges 
are  defrayed.  This  Sum  is  allowed  him  on  Account  of  his 
Complaint  of  extraordinary  Difficulties  in  his  serving  the 
College  in  its  Beginning  Times.  Voted  Affirm*- 
Agreed  that  M^  Benjamin  Woolsey  (who  hath  desired  his 
Masters  Degree)  have  a  Diploma  given  him.  Voted  in  the 
Affirmative. 

Agreed  that  the  Tutors  be  allowed  ten  Pounds  each  in  Addi- 
tion to  their  Salary  for  the  Year  past  in  Consideration  of  the 
extraordinary  Service  they  have  performed. 
Agreed  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  unto  the  Tuesday 
Evening  before  the  Sitting  of  the  General  Assembly  in 
October  next.    Voted  Affirm*- 

Signed  per  me  Tho^-  Ruggles  Scribe. 


246  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1723 


CXLI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

October  16, 1723 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  tlie  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  October  16 
1723  at  New  Haven. 


Then  present  the  Rev^  M^" 


Samuel  Andrew, 
Samuel  Russel, 
John  Davenport, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Thomas  Ruggles, 
Stephen  Buckingham. 


Agreed  that  the  Schollars  shall  be  obliged  to  repair  the 
Damages  by  breaking  the  Glass  Weights  to  draw  up  the 
Windows  Walls  &c,  which  shall  be  in  the  Chambers  they 
Occupy  in  the  College  unless  they  can  convict  others  of  break- 
ing the  Glass  &  doing  the  other  Damages  who  shall  be  bound 
to  repair  the  same  and  the  Butler  under  the  Tutors  Directions 
shall  take  Care  to  keep  a  Quarterly  Account  of  the  Condition 
of  each  Chamber. 

Agreed  for  preventing  all  Extravagancies  in  the  College  on  or 
before  publick  Times  as  the  Commencement  Quarter  Days — 
That  every  member  of  this  College  w^ho  shall  make  any  publick 
Disturbance  by  Hallooing,  singing  or  ringing  the  Bell  un- 
seasonably Firing  Gunns  or  otherways  shall  be  fined  not 
exceeding  Half  a  Crown  for  the  first  Offence ;  &  if  in  Contempt 
of  the  Rectors  or  Tutors  Prohibition  any  do  it  he  shall  be 
fined  five  ShilHngs  &  publickly  admonished.  Voted  in  the 
Affirmative. 

Agreed  that  Russel  Senior  Sophister  be  chosen  &  is  now 
chosen  Butler  till  the  next  Commencement.  Voted  in  the 
Affirmative. 

Agreed  that  in  Case  of  y®  Vacancy  of  a  Rector  unto  the  next 
Trustees  meeting  the  Tutors  shall  have  Power  to  Govern  the 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  247 

College  according  to  the  Laws  of  the  College  but  in  Case  of 
any  Offences  very  criminal  the  Tutor  or  Tutors  shall  call  in 
one  or  two  Trustees  who  with  y«  Tutor  or  Tutors  shall  have 
power  to  Degrade  &  suspend  them  from  College  Priviledges 
untill  the  next  meeting  of  the  Trustees. 
Voted  in  the  Affirmative. 

Signed  in  the  Name  of  Trustees  present. 

Samuel  Andrew, 
Samuel  Russel. 


CXLII.    Questions  Proposed  by  the  Trustees  to  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October  17, 1723 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

In  consequence  of  their  appeal,  the  Act  next  following 
this  paper  was  passed. 

A  brief  Account  of  the  Obstructions  y®  Trustees  of  Yale 
Colledge  have  met  w*^-  in  their  endeavours  to  provide  a  Resi- 
dent Rector  for  that  School,  humbly  offered  to  his  Hon^"-  the 
Governor-  &  the  honorable  Council  in  obedience  to  their  Com- 
mands, Received  by  M^"-  Secretary  this  day. 

1  The  great  Scarcity  of  men  well  qualified  for  y®  Post. 

2  The  great  difficulty  of  obtaining  such  as  are  otherwise 
imployed. 

3  The  insuccesfulness  of  attempts  that  way,  w*^-  y®  neces- 
sary expence  of  time,  in  waiting  y^  issue  of  such  applications. 

4  Different  sentiments  among  our  selues  concerning  the 
Rule  of  our  practice,  w*^-  some  other  matters  relating  to  y« 
affair. 

And  we  are  of  opinion  that  if  the  present  Generall  Assembly 
will  favour  us  w^^^-  a  resolution  of  the  following  Questions,  it 
will  much  facilitate  our  future  endeavours.    Viz. 


248  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1723 

1  Q.  If  a  Trustee  by  divine  Providence  be  utterly  disabled 
from  attending  the  duty  of  his  place,  &  there  be  no  Rational 
prospect  of  his  being  farther  serviceable  in  y*-  trust.  Whether 
y^  Trustees  may  not  Regularly  proceed  to  y^  choice  of  another  I 

2  Q.  Whether  the  Act  of  our  Constitution  doth  not  require 
the  presence  of  j^  Majority  of  the  Trustees  in  being  to  make 
a  Quorum? 

3  Q.  Whether  when  such  a  Majority  is  met,  it  be  necessary 
that  they  all  be  consenting  to  make  a  vallid  act,  or  the  major 
part  of  s*^-  Quorum  be  not  sufficient  thereunto  f 

4  Q.  Whether  a  Trustee  desiring  for  good  reasons  to  be 
released  from  his  Service,  Wee  may  not  dismiss  him,  &  choose 
another  to  succeed? 

Samuel  Andkew 
Samuel  Russell 
Tho.  Buckingham 
17  Oct.  1723  Tho.  Ruggles 

S.  Buckingham 

I  am  freely  consenting  to  the  above  in  case  the  General 
Assembly  be  y®  proper  seat  to  resolve  s^  Inquiries. 

Jn^-  Davenport 


CXLIII.    An  Act  of  the  Connecticut  General 
Assembly  in  Addition  to  the  Chaeter 

October,  1723 

[From  the  official  copy  in  the  University  Archives] 

Att  a  General  Assembly  held  at  New-Haven  Octob.  10*^, 
1723. 

An  Act  in  Explanation  of  and  Addition  to  the  Act  for 
Erecting  a  Collegiate  School  in  this  Colony 

Whereas  Pursuant  to  the  Powers  and  Priviledges  granted 
to  Certain  Trustees  for  Erecting  a  Collegiate  School  in  this 


1723]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  249 

Colony  Entituled  an  Act  for  a  Collegiate  School  The  said 
Trustees  have  Erected  the  S^  School  in  the  Town  of  New 
Haven  which  School  is  now  known  by  the  Name  of  Yale  Col- 
ledge  ;  And  Whereas  it  appears  to  this  assembly  that  an  Ex- 
planation and  Enlargement  of  the  Powers  and  Priviledges 
granted  by  S*^^  Act  is  Necesary  for  the  Carrying  on  the  affairs 
of  the  said  Colledge;  for  Want  of  which  It  has  Laboured 
under  great  difficulties  Very  much  to  the  prevention  of  that 
Order  and  good  Education  which  is  to  be  desired  there 

Bee  it  therefore  Enacted  &c  That  the  said  act  which  pro- 
vides that  the  Number  of  the  said  Trustees  be  not  under 
Seven,  nor  above  Eleven  is  not  to  be  Understood  or  Taken  so 
as  to  be  restrictive  of  the  power  of  the  said  Trustees,  Never 
to  Choose  any  person  to  be  a  Trustee  when  there  is  of  such 
persons  as  have  been  Chosen  and  Acted  as  Trustees  Eleven 
persons  Living  in  the  Colony  or  Elsewhere,  But  that  in  Case 
any  person  so  Chosen  be  by  Providence  Incapacitated  from 
attending  that  service  or  shall  himself  decline  the  same  thro' 
the  Necesity  of  his  own  Affairs  or  for  any  other  such  Reason 
as  he  shall  Judge  requisite  The  Trustees  in  any  of  their  Meet- 
ings lawfully  Called  may  be  Understood  to  have  and  It  is 
hereby  Enacted  and  declared  that  they  shall  be  Taken  to  have 
full  power  by  the  Majority  of  such  Meeting  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  Another  Trustee  in  the  Room  of  any  such  person. 

And  It  is  hereby  further  declared  and  Enacted  to  be  the 
True  Intent  and  Meaning  of  the  Act  afores*^  that  the  said 
Trustees  shall  be  Impowered  and  they  are  hereby  declared  to 
have  power  to  Meet  Together  for  Considering  advising  about 
and  Resolving  upon  all  Matters  belonging  to  the  Trust  of  the 
said  Colledge  Comitted  to  them  as  afores*^  and  to  Agree  and 
Conclude  Order  and  determine  Concerning  them  by  the  Ma- 
jority of  the  said  Meeting  and  by  the  Same  Majority  to 
Choose  and  Appoint  a  Clerk  w^ho  shall  in  a  fair  Book  prepared 
for  that  End  register  and  Carefully  preserve  the  Acts  of  all 
such  Meetings. 

And  Whereas  it  has  been  doubted  what  Number  of  the  said 
Trustees  may  be  Lookt  upon  as  a  Sufficient  or  full  Meeting, 


250  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1723 

Inasmuch  as  there  is  not  in  the  afores<i  Act  any  Express  men- 
tion made  of  any  Meeting  of  the  said  Trustees  It  is  therefore 
to  prevent  all  scruple  of  that  kind  for  the  future  hereby  pro- 
vided and  declared  that  due  Notice  being  given  to  the  Trustees 
by  Consent  of  any  three  of  them,  of  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees 
desired  at  any  Time  or  place  any  Seven  or  more  of  the  Trus- 
tees present  at  such  Time  and  place  shall  be  Esteemed  a  full 
Meeting  And  It  is  hereby  declared  and  Enacted,  that  in  all 
such  Meetings,  so  Called,  or  otherwise  as  the  said  Trustees  in 
any  such  full  Meeting  shall  agree,  all  affairs  und^  the  Care  of 
the  said  Trustees  shall  be  determined  by  the  Majority  of  such 
Meeting. 

And  Whereas  it  has  been  found  Inconvenient  that  in  the 
Election  of  Persons  to  be  Trustees,  the  Trustees  Election  by 
the  afores*^  Act  should  be  Limitted  and  Restrained  so  as  that 
the  person  who  shall  be  Chosen  must  Necesarily  be  fourty 
Years  of  Age ;  It  is  hereby  declared  and  Enacted  that  for  the 
future  the  S*^  Trustees  in  any  Election  of  a  Person  into  that 
Trust  shall  not  be  Esteemed  or  held  Obliged  by  said  Act  to 
Choose  such  Persons  as  shall  be  above  40  Years  of  Age,  but 
may  choose  such  Persons  otherwise  qualifyed  according  to 
S<^  Act,  provided  he  is  30  years  of  Age 

And  it  is  further  hereby  allowed  Enacted  granted  and  pro- 
vided, that  whosoever  shall  be  Chosen  and  made  a  Rector  of 
the  S'i  Colledge  shall  by  Vertue  thereof  become  a  Trustee  of 
the  same;  and  be  so  Esteemed  and  Taken  during  his  Con- 
tinuance in  the  S<i  Rectorship 


1724]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  251 

CXLIV.    Peoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  7,  1724 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  April  7**^  1724. 


Then  present  M^ 


Samuel  Andrew, 

Timothy  Wood))ridge  Moderator, 

Tho^-  Buckingham, 

Thos-  Ruggles, 

Stephen  Buckingham 

Samuel  Russel  Scribe. 


The  Rev<i  M^"  Eliphalet  Adams  is  hereby  chosen  the  Rector  of 

this  College. 

The  Rev<i  M^  Timothy  Woodbridge  &  Samuel  Russel  are 

chosen  &  appointed  to  sollicite  M^"  Adams  &  his  People  &  gain 

their  Consent  to  his  Acceptance  of  the  Office  he  is  above  chosen 

to. 

M''  Smith  desiring  Dismission  from  the  Tutors  Place  in  this 

College  Wee  chuse  M^  Robert  Treat  of  Milford  to  succeed  M^" 

Smith  in  the  Work  of  a  Tutor  here  and  that  (if  he  may  be 

obtained)   he  would  come  next  week  and  take  Care  of  M'" 

Pierpoints  Classes  till  his  Return  from  Boston. 

Agreed  that  a  Honorary  Degree  be  offered  to  M'"  David  Yale 

in  this  College. 

Agreed  that  the  Rev<i  M'"  Andrew  shall  take  the  Care  of  Rector 

in  all  the  Affair  of  the  follo\ving  Commencement  if  there  be 

not  a  Rector  obtained  before. 

Agreed  &  ordered  that  M''  Ruggles  rekon  ^Wth  M^  Caner  for 

what  he  hath  done  in  repairs  of  the  College  &  order  him  w* 

shall  be  due  thereon.    Voted  Affirm*- 

Testis  Samuel  Russel  Scribe. 


252  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1724 

CXLV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

May  21,  1724 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  Hartford  May 
21, 1724. 

Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 
Samuel  Russel, 
John  Davenport, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Thomas  Ruggles, 
Stephen  Buckingham, 
Ehphalet  Adams. 


Then  present  the  Rev*^  M^ 


The  Rev<i  M^  Samuel  Whitman  was  chosen  a  Trustee  of  Yale 
College. 

The  Rev<^  M'"  Wigglesworth  Professor  of  Divinity  at  Cam- 
bridge was  unanimously  chosen  Rector  of  Yale  College  &  the 
Rev*i  M^  Tho^-  Ruggles  (who  is  now  designing  for  Boston)  is 
chosen  &  appointed  to  make  Application  to  him  in  o^  Name  & 
Gain  his  Acceptance. 

In  Case  this  our  Choice  fails  then  The  Rev^  M^  "William 
Russel  of  Middletown  was  chosen  to  be  the  Rector  of  Yale 
College  and  the  Rev<^  M^  Timothy  Woodbridge  &  M^  Samuel 
Russel  were  chosen  to  signify  the  same  to  him  &  sollicit  him 
&  his  People  in  Order  to  the  Gaining  his  Complyance  with  this 
Choice. 
M''  Jonathan  Edwards  was  chosen  a  Tutor  of  Yale  College. 

Signed  Eliphalet  Adams  Scribe. 


1724]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  253 

CXLVI.     Action  of  the  Connecticut  General  As- 
sembly ON  THE  Measures  Taken  by  the  Trustees 
FOR  THE  Appointment  of  a  Rector 

May,  1724 

[From  the  original  Journal  of  the  Upper  House  in  the 
Secretary  of  State's  office,  and  other  original  papers 
in  the  State  Library] 

Prom  the  Journal  of  the  Upper  House,  May  22,  1724. 

Upon  Information  that  the  Rev.  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge 
are  now  assembled  in  this  Town  Ordered  that  Cap*-  Hamhn 
and  Hez :  Brainerd  Esq^^-  and  such  other  person  as  the  Low'"- 
House  shall  appoint  signify  to  those  Gentlemen  our  great 
desire  that  an  able  Rector  of  Yale  Colledge  may  be  provided 
and  settled  there  as  soon  as  may  be  and  to  understand  what 
prospect  they  have  of  such  a  Setlem*-  as  that,  which  We  cant 
but  look  upon  as  of  great  Necesity  to  the  flourishing  of  that 
Society. 

The  Journal  of  the  Lower  House  for  this  session  is 
wanting. 


To  the  Hon^^e.  The  Governour;  Council  «&  Representatives 
in  General  Court  Assembled. 

The  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  now  met  in  this  Town, 
having  this  day  received  a  Gracious  Message  from  this  Hon- 
ourable Assembly,  by  Gentlemen  Deputed  from  both  the 
Houses,  Expressing  their  great  Desire  that  an  Able  Rector 
of  Yale  Colledge  may  be  Provided  &  Settled  there  as  soon  as 
may  be,  &  to  Understand  what  Prospect  we  have  of  Such  a 
Settlement,  so  Necessary  to  y«  Flourishing  of  that  Society. 

We  beg  Leave  to  return  our  hearty  Thanks  for  Your  Gen- 
erous Concern  for  the  Welfare  of  that  School,  in  this,  as  well 


254  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1724 

as  many  former  Instances  thereof;  as  also  to  Lay  before  You 
the  Steps  that  we  have  taken  in  that  Affair  at  this  time. 

We  have  Unanimously  Chose  the  Rev'd  M^-  Wigglesworth, 
Professor  of  Divinity  at  Cambridge,  to  be  the  Rector  of  Yale 
Colledge. 

And  in  Case  of  a  Disappointm*-  of  our  hope  of  obtaining 
him,  we  have  Chosen  the  Rev'd  M^"-  William  Russel  of  Middle- 
town  to  that  Office.  And  in  case  our  Expectations  should  there 
fail  us  also,  In  a  farther  Attempt,  the  Rev'd  M^"-  Elisha 
Williams  of  Newington,  hath  had  the  Voice  of  the  Major  part 
of  the  Trustees  here  present. 

We  have  also  Chosen  M^-  Jonathan  Edwards  to  be  a  Tutor 
of  the  said  Colledge. 

As  we  have  been  Exceedingly  Concerned  at  the  Disap- 
pointm*-  of  those  Measures  w<^^-  we  have  heretofore  taken,  so 
we  shall  be  very  Thankful,  if  thro '  the  Smiles  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence upon  our  present  tho*^-  &  Endeavours,  we  may  do  any 
thing  that  shall  be  Serviceable  to  the  School  &  grateful  to  the 
Countrey. 

W**^-  Hearts  full  of  Gratitude  we  Acknowledge  the  Gener- 
osity of  this  Honourable  Assembly,  in  applying  the  benefit  of 
ye  Impost  Act  to  the  Support  of  the  Colledge  for  the  two 
Years  last  past;  and  our  Necessityes  still  Continuing  &  In- 
creasing upon  us  in  our  present  broken  Circumstances,  we 
would  humbly  Pray,  that  in  your  Compassionate  concern  for 
us,  You  would  please  to  continue  to  us  the  same  benefit  for 
some  time  longer. 

Signed  in  the  Name  of  y®  Rest 

T :  WooDBRiDGE         1  Moderator 
Eliphalet  Adams    J     Scribe 

Hartford,  May  22<i- 1724 

Upon  Consideration  of  the  above  Address  of  the  Trustees 
of  Yale  Colledge  and  the  Extraordinary  Charge  they  will  be 
at  in  settling  a  Rector  there  It  is  granted  that  the  Impost  of 


1724]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  255 

Rumm  for  the  present  Year  be  allowed  and  paid  to  them  to 
Enable  them  therein. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secrecy-  - 

In  the  Lower  House  read  &  Dissented. 
Test  Tho.  Kimberly  Clerk. 


CXLVII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  9,  1724 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
at  New  Haven  September  9, 1724. 

Samuel  Andrew  Moderator, 
Timothy  Woodbridge, 
Samuel  Russel, 
Joseph  Webb, 
John  Davenport, 
Tho^-  Buckingham, 
Tho^-  Ruggles, 
Stephen  Buckingham 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 


Then  present  the  Rev<i  M"" 


The  Rev<i  M^  Samuel  Russel  &  M^  Tho«  Ruggles  were  chosen 
by  the  Trustees  to  make  AppUcation  to  the  South  Society  of 
Middletown  in  Order  to  the  gaining  of  their  Consent  to  the 
Removal  of  the  Rev<i  M^  William  Russel  to  the  Rectorship  of 
Yale  College  in  N  Haven.^ 

1  The  first  result  of  this  application  appears  from  the  following  item  in  the 
Boston  News  Letter  of  October  8,  1724: 

We  also  hear  from  Springfield,  Sept.  30th.  last,  That  the  Reverend  Mr.  Russel 
of  Middletown  in  Connecticut  Colony  was  Chosen  Rector  of  Yale  College  at  New- 
Haven,  and  hath  accepted  the  offer,  in  case  his  People  will  consent  to  it. 


256  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1725 

Agreed  also  y*  the  Persons  deputed  to  that  service  do  attend 
it  some  Time  the  Week  after  next. 

Voted  also  at  the  same  meeting  that  the  Schollars  shall  pay 
4^-  &  8<^  a  Week  for  their  Board  at  College  till  farther  Order. 
Voted  at  the   same  meeting  that  M^  Ponderson  have  £10 
allowed  him  out  of  the  next  Quarter  Bill  towards  the  repair- 
ing of  his  Losses  in  former  Years. 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  Tuesday  Evening  before 
the  next  Sitting  of  the  General  Court  in  October. 

Attestatur  Sam'^i^  Whitman.  Scribe 


CXLVIII.    Lettee  from  Jeremy  Dummer 
TO  Timothy  Woodbridge 

February  25,  1725 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  201-203,  Boston,  1904] 

The  second  paragraph  has  reference  to  Governor 
Yale's  vtIII. 

Revd  &  Dear  S^ 

I  have  your's  before  me  of  Septem^-  last,  which  is  very 
obliging  as  all  your  letters  are.  The  Diploma  for  D^-  Turner 
as  also  the  letter  that  came  with  it  I  deliver 'd;  and  tho  you 
are  so  modest  as  to  make  an  apology  for  the  bad  Latin,  I  think 
they  were  drawn  up  in  a  true  Roman  diction,  &  both  for  lan- 
guage &  sentiments  exceed  any  thing  I  ever  yet  saw  from  My 
Own  Alma  Mater.  I  must  at  the  Same  time  observe  that  the 
Diploma  is  sent  in  a  fine  hand,  &  so  hansomly  ornamented  with 
flourishes,  that  I  was  very  much  pleas 'd  to  See  it.  As  Reli- 
gion &  polite  learning  have  bin  travelling  westward  ever  since 
their  first  appearance  in  the  World  I  hope  they  won't  rest 


1725]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  257 

'till  they  have  fixt  their  cheif  Residence  in  Our  part  of  the 
World.  You  have  inclos'd  D^  Turner's  answer  to  your's  by 
which  you'l  see  he  Continues  his  friendship  to  your  Colledge, 
&  I  beleive  (from  his  great  Modesty)  will  do  more  than  he 
promises.  I  have  Sent  You  in  a  Box  directed  to  M'"  Read  of 
Boston  a  few  more  books  that  were  given  me,  which  I  hope  he 
will  take  care  to  convey  to  you. 

It  troubles  me  every  moment  I  think  of  it  that  we  lost  Our 
Cause  in  y^  Commons  by  the  vile  decree  of  the  Dean  of  the 
Arches,  who,  I  verily  beleive  was  corrupted;  But  as  this  can't 
be  prov'd  &  an  Appeal  to  the  Delegates  will  be  very  Expen- 
sive, I  am  forc'd  to  Sit  Still,  &  content  my  Selfe  with  this 
Reflection  that  I  have  given  the  Colledge  a  fair  chance  to 
recover  the  Legacy,  without  putting  it  to  any  Expense. 

I  condole  with  you  upon  the  surprizing  death  of  your  late 
Excellent  Governour,  whose  Memory  will  be  to  me  always 
precious.  I  need  Say  nothing  of  his  worth  to  you  who  knew 
him  so  well,  But  I  always  thought  it  so  great,  that  there  w^as 
no  other  person  but  your  Selfe  in  the  Colony  capable  of  Suc- 
ceeding him  in  the  Chair  of  Government.  The  Gentleman, 
who  is  chosen  Governour,  is  wholly  unknown  to  me,  but  by  a 
letter  I  have  receiv'd  from  him  he  appears  to  be  an  honest  & 
Sensible  Gentleman.  I  desire  you'l  Assist  him  in  an  Affair 
which  I  have  a  Commission  to  write  to  him  of.  The  Indian 
Corporation  have  now  a  pretty  large  Sum  of  money  in  their 
hands,  &  the  Governour  has  promis'd  me  to  propose  to  the 
Corporation  that  this  money  as  well  as  their  Constant  Annual 
Remittance  Shall  be  divided  for  the  future  between  your 
Colony  &  the  Massachusetts.  He  has  already  made  a  begin- 
ning by  Nominating  your  Governour  One  of  the  Society's 
Commiss®^^-  But  before  this  thing  can  be  Compleated, 
Govern^-  Talcott  must  write  Govern^-  Ashhurst  a  letter  to  be 
laid  before  the  Corporation  showing  what  Number  of  Indians 
there  are  in  Y^  Colony,  &  what  prospect  you  may  have  of  doing 
good  among  them,  &  particularly  setting  forth  that  Your  Col- 
ledge is  founded  upon  principles  agreeable  to  the  Religion  of 
the  Countrey,  for  they  have  heard  a  foolish  Story,  as  if  you 


258 


DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY 


[1725 


design 'd  it  as  a  Nursery  for  the  Church  of  England.    The 
Letter  must  be  thus  directed 

To  The  Honbie  Eob<^-  Ashhurst  Esq^ 

Governour  of  the  Society  for  propagating 
The  Gospel  in  America 
At  London 

I  have  hardly  room  to  tell  you  that  I  am  Y'"  f aithfi 

JeB  :  DUMMEB 


humble  Serv 
25  FeVy  1724/5 


CXLIX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  20,  1725 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  the  Library 
in  New  Haven  April  20, 1725 


The  present  the  Rev^  M^ 


Samuel  Andrew  Moderator, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Joseph  Webb, 
Thomas  Ruggles, 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 


Voted  that  M^  James  Pierpoint  for  his  Service  in  the  Colle- 
giate School  till  the  20  of  March  1724/5  &  for  other  special 
Services  in  the  s<^-  School  together  with  his  Brothers  travell  to 
Branford  be  allowed  in  Bills  of  Credit  thirty  two  Pounds  & 
six  Shillings. 

Voted  that  the  Rev^  M'"  Samuel  Andrew  be  continued  in  the 
Rectoral  Care  of  this  College  till  the  next  Commencement  & 
that  the  Commencement  be  performed  by  him  if  no  other  be 
introduced  &  settled  as  a  Resident  Rector  before  that  time. 


1725]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  259 

CL.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Joseph  Talcott 

June  11,  1725 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Collections  of  the  Connecticut  His- 
torical Society,  vol.  4,  pp.  55-58,  Hartford,  1892] 

This  letter  of  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  is  addressed 
to  the  Colony's  Agent  in  London,  Jeremy  Dimamer. 

Hartford,  June  11th,  1725. 
Sir: 

As  to  the  notion  of  our  Colleg's  being  intended  for 

a  nursery  of  the  church  principles,  I  don 't  greatly  wonder  at, 
when  I  consider  that  Mr.  Cutler  the  Rector  of  the  College,  who 
for  so  long  a  time  under  a  disguise  of  being  a  Presbyterian 
was  improved  as  Rector  in  that  College,  and  then  went  imme- 
diately with  2  or  3  brought  up  under  his  conduct  to  the  Bishop 
for  Commissions,  and  not  only  so,  but  also  held  that  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Seals,  both  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord's 
Supper,  being  administered  by  the  Presbytery  is  of  no  valid- 
ity, I  suppose  a  principle  condemned  by  all  except  the  Non- 
jurors, or  High  Church ;  I  say  this  might  be  a  sufficient  cause 
for  the  rise  and  life  of  such  a  notion :  yet  I  should  think  that 
upon  its  appearing  that  Mr.  Cutler  was  displaced  from  his 
Rectorship  in  our  College,  upon  the  very  first  appearance  or 
knowledge  of  his  being  of  the  Church  principles,  it  may  and 
must  convince  every  man  that  hath  the  knowledge  of  it,  that 
our  College  was  not  set  up,  nor  is  not  intended  to  uphold  the 
Church  principles,  but  the  Church  here  by  law  established. 


I  am,  Sir, 

Your  very  humble  serv*, 
J.  Talcott 
Hartford  June  20,  1725. 
Jeremia  Dummer,  Esq''- 


260  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1725 

CLI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  29,  1725 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven 
Sept  29th  1725. 

Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Samuel  Russel, 

Thomas  Ruggles, 

Thomas  Buckingham, 

Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 

Eliphalet  Adams. 


Then  present  the  Rev<i  M^" 


Agreed  that  Whiting  Senior  Sophister  be  and  hereby  is  put 
into  the  Butlers  Post  till  next  Commencement. 
At  the  same  Time  S^  Buckingham  was  chosen  a  Tutor  of  Yale 
College  &  in  Case  he  cannot  be  obtained  M^  Daniel  Edwards 
was  chosen  Tutor  of  Yale  College  &  next  to  be  applyed  to. 
At  the  same  Time  the  Rev^  M^"  Elisha  Williams  was  chosen 
Rector  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven. 

Att  the  same  Meeting  the  Rev^  M^  Timothy  Woodbridge  M'* 
Tho»-  Buckingham  &  M^  Sam^^  Whitman  were  chosen  by  the 
Trustees  to  lay  y^  Vote  before  the  Rev<i  M^  Elisha  Williams  & 
endeavour  to  obtain  his  Acceptance  of  the  Rectors  place. 
At  the  same  Meeting  M^  Andrew  was  chosen  to  take  the 
Pectoral  Care  of  Yale  College  till  a  farther  Supply. 
Agreed  that  the  Tutors  for  their  extraordinary  Services  of 
the  Year  past,  &  their  Trouble  &  Pains  in  sorting  the  Books 
&  fixing  Catalogues  to  y^  Boxes  have  five  Pounds  each  added 
to  their  salary. 

Att  the  same  meeting  y^  Rev*^  M^  Eliphalet  Adams  was  chosen 
&  employed  to  demand  of  any  Persons  or  person  whatsoever 
yt  have  books  in  y^  Hands  belonging  to  Yale  College  in  New 


1725]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  261 

Haven  a  speedy  surrender  of  them  either  to  him  or  his  Order 
&  y*  his  necessary  Expences  in  that  Affair  be  allowed  out  of 
the  College  Treasury. 


CLII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Connecticut 
General  Assembly 

October  14,  1725 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  Memorial  in  the  State  Library;  and 
the  jDrinted  Colonial  Records,  vol.  6,  pp.  569-570,  Hart- 
ford, 1872] 

The  Memorial  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Whitman. 

To  the  Honourable  the  Govern'"-  Councill  &  Kepresentatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  at  New-Haven  Octob^-  14:  1725. 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  humbly 
sheweth  that  the  said  Trustees  after  many  endeavours  for 
the  gaining  A  Rector  for  Yale  Colledge,  have  at  our  late  meet- 
ing in  Newhaven  Unanimously  chosen  the  ReV^-  M^-  Elisha 
Williams  Minister  of  Newington  a  Parish  belonging  to 
Wethersfield,  unto  that  service ;  and  Judge  him  a  person  well 
qualified  for  the  work  we  have  called  him  to,  and  in  him  have 
a  fair  prospect  that  he  ^vill  be  a  repairer  of  the  breach  that 
has  been  made  in  that  Society:  &  as  that  School  has  had  its 
being  from  this  Honourable  Assembly  and  testimonies  of  their 
good  will  in  supporting  it  hetherto ;  so  we  count  it  our  duty 
not  only  to  inform  this  Honourable  Assembly  of  the  measures 
we  have  taken  for  the  promoting  y*  good  thereof:  but  now 
pray  that  by  your  Act  you  will  give  your  publick  approbation 
of  our  choice,  which  we  shall  take  as  a  favour.  We  (as 
appointed  by  the  Trustees)  have  made  Application,  both  to 
the  Rev*5-  M''-  Williams  and  to  the  people  of  the  Parish,  with 
him:  and  have  a  likely  prospect  of  obtaining  him  both  from 


262  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1725 

him  and  them ;  But  the  Parish  being  small  and  generally  new 
beginners  it  will  necessarily  bring  a  considerable  Charge  upon 
them  in  setling  of  another  minister :  The  Colledg  out  of  their 
small  Stock  cannot  fully  answer  the  charge  we  shall  put  them 
to :  We  therefore  humbly  pray  this  Honourable  Assembly  that 
as  they  have  often  done  to  divers  places  in  this  Goverment 
that  upon  M^-  Williams's  removal  to  y^  Colledge,  so  you  will 
please  to  allow  them  their  Country  Rates  (which  are  but  little) 
for  the  space  of  four  or  five  years,  and  by  your  act  state  it  to 
be  applyed  to  the  setling  the  next  succeeding  minister  in  their 
Parish:  and  we  shall  accept  it  as  a  token  of  the  favour  this 
Honourable  Assembly  bears  to  the  Colledge,  and  a  mani- 
festation of  their  delighting  in  its  prosperity 
&  your  memorialists  shall  ever  pray  &c 

Timothy  WooDBKrooE 
Thomas  Buckingham 
Sam^-  Whitman 


At  a  General  Assembly  holden  at  New  Haven,  on  the  14th  day 
of  October,  1725. 

Upon  consideration  of  a  memorial  laid  before 

this  Assembly  by  the  Reverend  Trustees  of  Yale  College,  sig- 
nifying that  they  have  made  choice  of  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  of 
Newington  parish  to  be  Rector  of  said  College,  desiring  this 
Assembly  would  free  the  inhabitants  of  said  Newington  from 
their  country  rates :  This  Assembly  rejoice  in  the  good  provi- 
dence that  conducted  the  reverend  trustees  to  fill  up  the 
vacancy  of  a  rector  in  said  college  with  a  gentleman  so  agree- 
able to  the  country,  and  so  very  acceptable  to  the  Assembly; 
and  do  enact  that  when  the  said  Mr.  Elisha  Williams  shall 
remove  to  New  Haven  into  the  service  of  rector  in  Yale 
College,  according  to  appointment  of  the  said  reverend  trus- 
tees, that  Nemngton,  or  the  inhabitants  of  said  parish,  shall 
be  freed  from  paying  their  country  tax  for  the  space  of  four 
years  next  coming;  on  condition  that  the  money  be  improved 
towards  settling  another  minister  in  said  parish. 


1726]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  263 

CLIII.    Petition  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Connecticut 
General  Assembly 

May  12,  1726 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  petition  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Whitman. 

To  the  Hon^^e.  Govern'"-  Council  and  Representatives  in 
General  Court  assembled  in  Hartford  May  12,  1726. 

The  Memorial  of  us  the  Subscribers  in  behalf  of  Yale 
Colledge  humbly  Offered. 

Whereas  for  Publick  benefit  the  said  Colledge  hath  been 
erected,  and  hetherto  supported  in  great  measure  by  the 
favour  and  benificence  of  the  Honourable  Assembly  of  this 
Collony,  so  as  our  necessities  have  required,  upon  application 
to  them  by  the  Trustees  of  said  Colledge :  It  has  from  time  to 
time  been  supplyed :  Wherefore  we  make  bold  to  inform  this 
Honourable  Assembly  that  it  stands  in  great  necessity  of 
releif :  It  is  well  knowTi  that  the  Sufferings  of  the  Sufferings 
of  the  Colledge  thro  y®  defection  of  j^  Rector  have  been  long 
and  great  and  will  increase  till  there  be  a  Rector  setled  in  it. 
Thro  y^  good  hand  of  gods  Providence  the  Trustees  have  been 
directed  to  make  choice  of  the  'Rev^-  M'"-  Elisha  Williams  of 
Newington  Parish  in  Wethersfield  to  supply  that  place :  which 
this  Honourable  Assembly  has  well  approved:  and  given  a 
good  token  of  their  approbation :  We  according  to  the  insti-uc- 
tions  given  us  by  the  Trustees  have  applyed  to  the  said  M""- 
Williams  and  to  the  people  of  his  parish:  and  have  tho  not 
without  difficulty  obtained  the  consent  of  M^-  Williams  and 
his  people  that  he  shall  remove  to  New  Haven  &  as  it  appears 
both  just  and  reasonable,  that  the  people  should  be  made  good 
in  their  temporal  interests :  We  have  Agreed  with  their  Com- 
mittee, to  take  y^  Judgment  of  Prudent  and  indifferent  per- 


264  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1726 

sons  in  stating  their  accounts,  who  have  given  their  judgment 
in  y^  case  and  have  determined  what  they  judge  to  be  just  and 
reasonable  for  the  people  to  receive:  to  make  up  what  they 
have  expended  in  settling  M^-  Williams  amongst  y™-:  which 
sum  ariseth  higher  then  what  the  CoUedge  can  pay :  and  what 
the  General  Assembly  in  October  last  Granted :  Wherefore  we 
make  our  humble  Addresse  to  this  Honourable  Assembly  to 
Assist  the  Colledge  which  will  be  in  danger  of  sinking  without 
it :  we  therefore  humbly  pray  that  this  Honourable  Assembly 
would  according  to  y^-  usual  bounty  &  from  their  good  will  to 
y«  support  of  the  Colledge  Grant  to  y^  Trustees  for  y^  use  of 
the  Colledge  the  Impost  settled  by  Law  on  the  importation  of 
Rum  from  the  begining  of  the  last  may,  to  be  continued  till 
ye  May  next  coming  which  possibly  may  reach  to  what  is  due 
to  the  People  of  Newington :  to  repair  the  Rectors  house  and 
fitt  it  to  dwell  in:  and  we  hope  and  desire  that  the  Divine 
goodnesse  will  graciously  accept  your  offering — 
and  we  obliged  ever  to  pray  as  in  duty  bound  &c 

t  :  woodbridge 
Sam^^-  Whitman 

Upon  the  above  Petition  This  Assembly  grants  out  of  the 
Publick  Treasury  to  the  Uses  abovementioned  the  Sum  of 
One  Hundred  pounds  and  Sixteen  Shillings  provided  the  said 
M^-  Williams  be  settled  in  the  Trust  of  Rector  of  the  said 
Colledge. 

Past  in  the  Lower  house. 

Test  Tho.  Kimberly  Clerk. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secret^'y- 


1726]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  265 

CLIV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

May  31,  1726 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven 
May  31  1726. 

Samuel  Andrew  Rector, 
Timothy  Woodbridge, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Thomas  Ruggles, 
Joseph  Webb 
Samuel  Whitman. 


Then  present  the  Rev*^  M^ 


Agreed  that  none  of  the  Undergraduates  but  the  Sen^  Class 
shall  have  Liberty  to  borrow  Books  out  of  the  Library  &  that 
at  the  Discretion  of  the  Tutor  or  Tutors  &  that  they  shall 
have  but  one  out  at  a  Time  &  shall  keep  the  same  but  one 
Month  before  they  return  it  into  the  Library. 

At  the  same  Time  Daniel  Hubbard  was  chosen  Scholar  of  the 
House,  till  the  next  Commencement  come  twelvemonth  his 
Work  to  observe  &  note  down  all  Detriment  the  College  re- 
ceives in  its  Windows  Doors  Studies  Tables  Locks  &  Salary 
to  be  three  pounds  &  to  give  an  account  Quarterly. 

At  the  same  meeting  M^  Nathaniel  Burnham  of  Weathersfield 
&  Capt^  Ozias  Pitkin  of  Hartford  were  chosen  by  the  Trustees 
to  view  the  Land  which  may  be  offered  by  M''  John  Fisk  & 
M'"  Levins  as  an  equivalent  for  y^  College  Farm  &  give  their 
Judgement  about  it.  In  Case  the  Persons  above  mentioned 
&  chosen  or  either  of  them  fail  then  John  Seymour  &  Isaac 
Shelden  are  chosen  or  any  one  of  them  to  supply  that  Defect. 

To  M^  Timothy  Woodbridge  for  Hire  for  a  Man  to 

bring  Letters  on  College  Account  0-14-0 


266  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1726 

To  M""  Woodbridge  &  M^  Buckingham  to  hire  men  to 
manage  Business  relating  to  College  Farm.  5-  0-0 


whole  5-14-0 

This  they  have  received  on  y^  College  Account 
as  Attestatur  Samuel  Whitman. 


CLV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  13,  1726 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
att  New  Haven  Sept^  13  1726 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Timothy  Woodbridge  chosen  Moderator, 

Samuel  Russel, 
Then  present         J      Joseph  Webb, 
the  Rev^  M''  John  Davenport, 

Thomas  Ruggles, 

Stephen  Buckingham, 

Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 

1.  Agreed  that  the  Rev<^  M^  Timothy  Woodbridge  be  the 
moderator  &  Samuel  Whitman  the  Scribe 

2.  The  Rev^  M^  Elisha  Williams  being  invited  into  the 
Library  where  the  Act  of  the  Trustees  relating  to  the  Assent 
of  any  Person  elected  into  the  Office  of  Rector  to  y®  Conffes- 
sion  of  Faith  &c  &  particularly  give  Satisfaction  of  the  Sound- 
ness of  his  Faith  in  Opposition  to  Armenian  and  prelatical 
Corruptions  being  Read  to  him  he  did  fully  express  his  Assent 
thereto  to  y®  Satisfaction  of  the  Trustees. 

3.  At  y^  same  meeting  y^  Rev*^  M'"  Elisha  Williams  was  for- 
mally introduced  into  the  Rectorship  of  Yale  College. 


1727]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  267 

4.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  Rev<i  M^  Woodbridge  have  40 
Shillings  put  into  his  Hand  to  repay  those  that  may  be  em- 
ployed to  view  the  Equivalent  Lands  at  Killingsly. 

5.  By  Vote  agreed  that  every  Undergraduate  pay  40  Shil- 
lings a  Year  for  his  Tuition. 

6.  By  Vote  agreed  that  20  Pounds  be  allowed  to  M--  Elisha 
Williams  for  the  Transportation  of  his  Family  &  Goods  to 
New  Haven. 

7.  By  Vote  agreed  that  the  next  Commencement  there  be 
Exercises,  the  Sirs  to  manage  a  Disputation  in  the  Forenoon 
&  ye  Masters  in  the  Afternoon. 

8.  By  Vote  agreed  that  Jonathan  Edwards  have  his  Salary 
paid  him  out  of  the  Treasury  according  to  agreement. 

9.  By  Vote  agreed  that  S'"  Whiting  be  continued  in  the  post 
of  Butler  another  Year. 

10.  At  the  same  Meeting  agreed  y*  y^  Rector  &  Tutor  at  the 
Charge  of  the  College  get  a  Collumn  of  Boxes  made  sufficient 
to  contain  such  Books  as  have  none  provided  for  them. 


CLVI.    Extract  of  a  Lettee  feom  Jeremy  Dummer 
TO  Timothy  Woodbridge 

February  10,  1727 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  206-207,  Boston,  1904] 

Rev^-  &  Dear  S'"- 

I  have  your  Obliging  Letter  of  Novem^-  last  for  which  and 
for  all  other  kind  Expressions  of  your  Favours  and  Friend- 
ship I  have  a  very  great  and  just  Regard 

I  am  very  glad  you  have  got  a  New  Rector  of  Your  Colledge 
who  gives  such  good  hopes  of  promoting  the  Interest  of  your 
Seminary  for  Religion  &  Learning.  I  have  Delayed  hitherto 
the  sending  some  Books  that  have  been  given  to  Your  Col- 
ledge, in  Expectation  of  a  Considerable  Addition,  but  whether 


268  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1727 

I  have  that  or  not  in  a  little  time  I  shall  send  you  those  Books 

I  have  by  me 

I  am  with  very  great  Esteem  &  Respect 

Middle  Temple  S'"- 

10-  Febry  1726/7.         Yo-most  Obedient  humble  Servant 

Jer:  Dummer 


CLVII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September,  1727 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library  at 
New  Haven  Sept  1727. 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 

Samuel  Russel, 

John  Davenport, 

Thomas  Buckingham, 

Eliphalet  Adams, 

Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 


Then  present  the  Rev^  M^" 


Voted  that  the  Schollars  pay  to  M^  Punderson  Steward  five 

Shillings  p^  Week  for  one  Year  for  diet  sweeping  j^  Chambers 

&  making  Beds. 

Voted  that  for  y^  future  every  Candidate  for  any  Degree  in 

this  Colledge  pay  in  to  j^  Rector  before  he  has  his  Degree 

given  him  40  Shillings,  twenty  Shillings  for  his  Degree  &  the 

other  twenty  Shillings  for  the  Comencement  Dinner  for  which 

latter  the  Rector  to  be  accountable  to  the  Trustees. 

Voted  that  every  Schollar  admitted  into  y®  College  y*  Boards 

out  of  it  shall  pay  quarterly  five  shillings  Detriment  which 

shall  come  into  the  quarterly  Bills. 

Voted  that  for  the  future  every  Schollar  inhabiting  an  upper 

chamber  shall  pay  five  Shillings  quarterly  &  the  Schollars 


1727]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  269 

inhabiting  any  other  Chamber  shall  pay  7  Shillings  &  6  pence 
quarterly  which  shall  be  brought  into  the  quarter  Bill. 
Voted  that  any  Schollar  admitted  into  any  Class  after  the 
usual  Time  of  their  admission  shall  pay  detriment  after  the 
Rate  of  five  shillings  a  quarter  untill  the  time  of  their  own 
admission. 

Voted  that  for  the  future  every  Undergraduate  shall  pay  for 
his  Tuition  ten  Shillings  by  the  Year  more  than  has  been 
determined  by  former  Acts. 

Voted  yt  S^  Miner  be  in  the  place  of  a  Butler  for  the  present 

Year. 

Voted  that  the  placing  the  Classes  shall  be  in  the  Hands  of  the 

Rector  &  tutor  or  Tutors. 

Voted  that  the  meeting  be  adjourned  till  the  next  Tuesday 

after  the  first  sitting  of  the  General  Assembly. 

as  Testis  est  Samuel  Whitman  Scr. 

CLVIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

October  17, 1727 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
att  New  Haven  by  adjournment  to  the  next  Tuesday  after  the 
sitting  of  the  Generall  Assembly  in  Octob'"  1727. 

Samuel  Andrew, 

Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 

Samuel  Russel, 

John  Davenport, 

Stephen  Buckingham, 

Tho«-  Ruggles, 

Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 


Then  present  the  Rev^  M'" 


At  this  meeting  agreed  that  the  Memorial  drawn  &  read 
should  be  presented  to  the  honourable  Assembly  by  the 
Moderator. 


270  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1727 

At  tlie  same  meeting  Voted  that  to  the  Act  respecting  such 
Schollars  paying  quarterly  5  Shillings  detriment  as  board  out 
of  College  it  be  added  unless  where  the  Rector  &  Tutor  shall 
see  just  Cause  to  abate  it. 

Voted  that  unless  M^  John  Fisk  &  M^"  James  Levins  do  speedily 
fulfill  their  agreement  with  the  Trustees  the  Rev<^  M^  Timothy 
Woodbridge  &  M^  Thomas  Buckingham  are  hereby  impowered 
to  take  out  &  levy  an  Execution  on  the  Land  belonging  to  y^ 
College  recovered  by  Law  but  in  Case  they  speedily  offer  an 
equivalent  for  the  same  surveyed  &  by  Boundaries  &  map 
described  then  they  are  impowered  to  find  two  suitable  Per- 
sons to  see  &  judge  whether  the  Land  offered  be  an  equivalent 
&  fully  to  settle  affairs  with  them. 

Voted  that  tho'  a  Trustee  may  borrow  Books  for  himself  out 
of  the  Library,  yet  not  for  another,  nor  keep  any  longer  than 
half  a  Year. 

Voted  that  any  Graduate  may  have  Liberty  to  borrow  a  Book 
out  of  the  Library  &  peruse  it  in  the  College  but  no  Liberty 
to  carry  it  thence. 

Voted  that  no  Undergraduate  shall  borrow  out  of  the  Library 
any  more  than  one  Book  at  a  Time  nor  keep  it  any  longer  than 
a  Month  before  he  returns  it  again. 

Voted  that  M^*  John  Prout  Treasurer  have  8  Pounds  a  Year 
reward  for  his  Service. 

Voted  that  the  Rector  &  Tutor  audit  the  College  Account  with 
the  Treasurer  &  lay  the  same  before  the  Trustees  annually. 
Voted  that  S^  Minor  having  resigned  his  Butlership  S^  Hub- 
bard shall  be  in  the  Place  of  a  Butler  this  Year. 
Voted  that  the  Rector  &  Tutor  or  Tutors  shall  put  in  the 
Schollar  of  the  House. 

Voted  that  the  Salary  of  the  Rector  for  the  present  Year  shall 
have  such  Additions  made  to  it  as  shall  be  Honorable  if  the 
Moneys  in  our  Hands  or  that  we  can  procure  will  enable  us 
to  do  it :  which  we  apprehend  ought  to  be  200  £  att  least. 
Voted  that  M^  Daniel  Edwards  be  continued  in  the  place  of  a 
Tutor  for  the  present  Year  &  his  Salary  shall  be  65  £  &  5 
£  more  if  we  find  ourselves  able  to  do  it. 


1727]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  271 

Voted  that  if  the  Rector  shall  find  it  needful  he  shall  put  the 
Freshmen  under  the  Tuition  of  S''  Hubbard  and  we  will  allow 
him  if  he  does  that  Service  such  Recompence  as  we  shall  think 
Convenient. 


CLIX.    Memoeial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Connecti- 
cut General  Assembly 

October,  1727 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library;  with  the  final 
Act  in  the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  7,  p.  133^ 
Hartford,  1873] 

The  Memorial  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Eev.  Samuel 
Whitman. 

To  the  Honourable  the  Governour,  Council,  &  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  Assembled,  in  New  Haven  Octob'"-  12, 
1727 :  The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledg,  in  New 
Haven  humbly  sheweth. 

That  whereas  this  Hon^e.  Assembly  gave  being  to  the  said 
Colledg  by  charter,  which  by  the  favour  of  Divine  Providence 
hath  been  succesfully  prospered,  so  that  many  Churches  at 
this  day  are  supplyed  with  burning  and  shining  lights  from 
the  said  Colledg,  which  favour  engageth  us  the  Trustees,  to 
follow  divine  providence,  in  the  way  that  is  thus  Blest,  in  im- 
proving their  faithfull  endeavours  for  incouraging  the  con- 
tinuing of  so  good  a  work,  the  benefit  of  which  is  not  only  for 
ye  present  but  future  generations,  and  when  the  Trustees  had 
chosen  a  Rector  for  said  Colledg,  this  Hon^e.  Assembly  gave 
their  pubfick  Testimony  of  their  being  well  pleased  with  our 
choice :  &  his  faithfull  administration  in  the  Concerns  of  the 
Colledg  give  occasion  to  us  to  be  thankfull  to  god,  that 
directed  us  to  such  a  choice :  this  Honourable  Assembly  were 
pleased  to  enable  us  to  make  up  our  accounts  with  the  people 


272  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1727 

of  Newington,  which  we  acknowledg  with  all  thankfullness,  & 
we  find  that  the  usuall  Salary  allowed  from  the  publick  Treas- 
ury with  y6  standing  perquesites  from  the  Schollars,  is  not 
suflficient  to  support  the  Rector,  and  the  necessary  Tutorage  of 
the  Students,  &  not  being  willing  to  make  the  Charges  of 
Tuition,  and  Chamber  Rent,  unreasonably  burthensome, 
which  would  prove  a  means  to  sink  y®  Credit  of  our  Colledg : 
we  therefore  are  necessitated  to  make  our  humble  request  to 
this  Honourable  Assembly  for  our  releif,  &  that  which  seems 
least  (to  us)  burthensome,  and  can  without  any  sensible  in- 
crease of  charge  to  the  publick  be  allowed  us :  We  pray  that 
the  Custom  raised  on  the  importing  of  Rhum  may  be  granted 
to  us  for  the  use  &  support  of  the  Colledg  during  the  pleasure 
of  this  Honourable  Assembly:  tis  our  utmost  necessity  that 
moves  us  to  this  application :  and  we  cannot  but  beleive  that 
our  fathers  of  the  Common  Wealth  will  afford  maintenance  to 
their  own  offspring:  and  we  hope  that  those  parents  whose 
children  have  had  their  education  in  our  Colledg:  and  those 
and  others  that  are  members  of  this  honourable  Assembly 
that  have  formerly  been  members  of  our  Colledg  will  own 
their  Relation  to  us  &  Sympathize  with  our  straitned  Circum- 
stances, &  we  hope  as  we  have  had  a  supply  in  our  necessities 
from  this  Honourable  Assembly  so  they  will  not  let  us  find  the 
streams  of  their  goodness  dryed  up.  And  your  memorialists 
shall  ever  pray. 

T  :  WOODBRIDGE  Mod^- 

Sam^^-  Andrew 
Samuel  Russell 
Jn^-  Davenport 
Thomas  Ruggles 
S.  Buckingham 
Sam^^-  Whitman 

The  Receipts  of  the  Col-         The  expences  of  the  Colledg 

ledg  from  the  Commence-         from  y«   Commen^*-   1726  to 

ment    1726    to    the    Com-         the  Commencement  1727. 

mencement  1727.  -d     .        on  -i^a    n    /% 

Rectors  Sallary       140-  0-  0 


1727] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


273 


from  the  General  As-  Tutors  Sallary        065-  0-  0 

sembly  100-0-0     To  M^-  Canner  for 

by  Rent  of  Chambers  work  done  034-  9-  5 


&  Tuition                     163-0-0     To  y^  Schollar 

of 

fVio  TimiRo 

003-  0-  0 

263-0-0     To  the  monitor 

002-  0-  0 

The  Treasurers 

Sallary 

008-  0-  0 

To  incidental 

charges 

063-  6-11 

315-16-  4 

An   account    of   what   is   wanting   to    defray 

the 

necessary   expences   of  y®   Rector  more   then 

his 

Sallary 

120-0-0 

Wanting  for  another  Tutor 

065-0-0 

185-0-0 

The  receipts                                263-  0-0 

the  expences                                315-16-^ 

the  expences  more  y°-  RecP*^-    052-16-4 

to   which   last   article   what 

is  wanting  is  added  185-  0-0 


Sum  totall  Needed 


237-16-4 
by  order  Sam^^-  Whitman  Scribe. 


We  the  Subscribers  hauing  considdered  the  aboue  acount 
are  of  opinion  that  y®  impost  paid  for  Rhum  in  this  Gouer- 
ment  for  the  space  of  three  years  next  coming  be  for  j^  use 
&  seport  of  Yale  Collage 

Math"^-  Allyn 

John  Hall 

John  Beers 

Datjid  Goodrich 

Caleb  Leete 


Com"ee. 


274  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1727 

Upon  Consideration  of  the  above  Memoriall  Granted  that 
the  Custom  Raised  on  the  Importing  of  Rhum  be  Improved 
for  the  Use  and  Support  of  the  Colledge  during  the  Term  of 
three  Years  next  Ensuing. 

Past  in  the  Upp'"-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secretly- 
Read  and  dissent^-  to  In  the  Lower  House 
Test  John  Curtiss  Clerk. 

Then  y«  Question  was  put  whether  any  thing  should  be 
Granted  on  y«  prayer  of  y®  above  memoriall.  Resolvd  in  y^ 
affirm^i^e. 

Test.  Jo-  Curtis  Clerk 


Upon  consideration  of  the  memorial  of  the 

Reverend  Trustees  of  Yale  College :  Granted  by  this  Assembly, 
that  the  impost  income  for  rhum  in  this  government,  for  one 
whole  year  next  coming,  shall  be  to  the  use,  benefit  and  better 
support  of  the  said  college,  its  rector,  tutors,  &c. 


CLX.    Proposed  Action  of  the  Connecticut  General 

Assembly  for  Exempting  Rector  Williams 

FROM  Taxation 

October  24-26,  1727 

[From  the  Journals  of  the  two  Houses,  in  the  Secretary 

of  State's  of&ce] 

From  the  records  of  the  Upper  House. 

A  Bill  past  that  the  Revered.  Elisha  Williams  Rect^-  of  Yale 
Colledge  shall  have  all  his  Estate  as  well  as  Poles  freed  from 
any  Taxes  in  this  Governm^-  while  he  continues  in  the  afores"^- 
office. 


1728] OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 275 

From  the  records  of  the  Lower  House. 

A  Bill  from  y^  upp^-  Board  to  Release  y^  Uev^-  M^-  Elisha 
Williams^  Lands  from  taxation  dissent^^-  unto ;  on  It  to  Conf^" 
on  ye  diffrence  of  Houses  Cap*-  Seamore  Co^^-  Goodrich  Cap*- 
Buell  appointed  a  Committe. 

From  the  records  of  the  Upper  House. 

Roger  Wolcott  and  John  Hall  Esq"-  are  appointed  to  confer 
with  such  Gentlemen  as  the  Low-  House  shall  appoint  on  the 
diference  of  the  Houses,  upon  the  Bill  Exempting  the  Reef- 
from  Taxes. 

From  the  records  of  the  Lower  House. 

Report  of  y«  Committe  of  Conference  on  y«  affair  of  Mr. 
Williams^-  Lands  being  Ratefree  at  Newington.  Reconsdrd 
&  desent^-  to  y^  bill  from  y«  board  afores^- 


CLXL    Letter  of  Elisha  Williams 

July  2,  1728 

[From  a  copy  in  the  Publications  of  the  Colonial  Society 
of  Massachusetts,  vol.  6,  pp.  207-209,  Boston,  1904] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Timothy  Woodbridge. 

Rev^  S^- 

Since  you  allow  me  on  all  occasions  the  Freedom  of  offering 
my  Thoughts,  &  have  ever  a  Mantle  ready  to  Throw  over 
Them  y*-  discover  my  weakness,  I  presume  to  offer  Some- 
thing that  has  occurred  to  me  in  the  present  Conjuncture  of 
affairs,  y*  Surprize  &  fill  everybody  with  Concern  what  y^  I 
fear  may  be.  For  my  own  part  I  must  Confess  my  fears  are 
greater  w*^  relation  to  our  religious  than  Civil  Interests.  Tho 
if  our  Law  respecting  Intestate  Estates  be  Declared  a  Nullity 
ah  Initio,  &  So  the  Common  Law  of  England,  from  thence  to 
take    place,    we    are    Thrown    Into    y^    greatest    Confusion 


276  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1728 

Will  they  not  Say  our  Ecclesiastical  Establishment  is  a 
Nullity?  Our  College  Charter  a  Nullity?  (Can  we  plead  & 
make  it  Good  when  we  have  done  y*  y®  Governour  &  Company 
have  a  power  to  Make  a  Body  Politick?) 

Now  what  I  would  propose  to  Your  Consideration  is  whitjier 
it  would  not  be  adviseable  That  The  Agent  The  Govern- 
ment now  Sends,  be  directed  in  the  Prudentist  Methods  Pos- 
sible, to  obtain  a  Charter  for  the  College  from  the  King,  and 
if  it  might  be,  also.  Something  in  favour  of  our  Ecclesiastick 
Constitution. — and  These  Considerations  Seem  to  render  it 
not  Entirely  hopeless 

1.  The  King  has  but  Just  come  to  the  Throne, — &  so  it  is 
not  an  Unlikely  Hour  for  acts  of  Grace 

2.  The  Incomparable  Good  Temper  of  y®  Queen  w*^  whom 
perhaps  a  good  Interest  might  be  made  for  it. 

3.  What  y«  King  has  Done  &  after  all  our  Endeavours  to 
releive  our  Selves  will  probably  do,  with  relation  to  our  Civill 
Interests  will  be  No  Small  Shock  and  Grievance  to  us — & 
phaps  to  do  us  a  favour  in  another  Matter  as  y*  of  a  Charter 
for  y^  College  may  be  y*  more  easily  granted — Since  tis  not 
Uncommon  nor  disagreeable  to  y®  Wisdom  of  a  Prince  to  Shew 
an  act  of  Grace  when  he  has  manifested  Severity — 

If  S^-  You  Think  it  advisable  that  what  I  have  proposed  be 
endeavoured.  You  will  please  to  Communicate  it  (phaps 
before  y^  Courts  Sitting)  to  his  Honour,  mth  whom  the 
Matter  Must  be  Solely  left  to  give  it  in  Direction  to  the 
Agent.  For  if  the  Assembly — or  Indeed  his  Council  Should 
know  it,  it  would  take  so  much  air;  as  That  our  Bigotted 
Churchmen  would  get  it,  &  endeavour  all  ways  Possible  to 
Defeat  it — 

You  mil  please  to  forgive  me  The  Trouble  of  This — &  I  will 
add  No  More  Than  my  Humble  Service  to  Your  Self  & 
Madd^i— and  That 

I  am  Y^  Very  Humble  Ser'^* 

E.  Williams 
N.  Haven— July  2.  1728 


Then  present  the  Rev^  M^ 


1728] OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 277 

CLXII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  11,  1728 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  a  New  Haven 
Sept"- 11, 1728. 

Samuel  Andrew 

Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 

Samuel  Russel, 

Joseph  Webb, 

John  Davenport, 

Thomas  Buckingham, 

Stephen  Buckingham, 

Eliphalet  Adams, 

Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 

M'  Daniel  Edwards  was  unanimously  chosen  Steward  in  and 

for  Yale  College  &  to  enter  into  the  Stewardship  at  the  End 

of  the  first  Quarter  of  the  present  Year  till  which  Time  M'" 

Punderson  is  to  continue  in  it. 

At  this  Meeting  Elnathan  Whitman  Sen^  Batchelor  was  chosen 

Tutor  of  Yale  College  in  the  Room  of  M^"  Daniel  Edwards  who 

then  resigned  his  Tutorship. 

Voted  that  S"^  Hubbard's  Salary  for  his  Service  in  instructing 

the  Freshmen  Class  for  the  Year  past  shall  be  twenty  &  seven 

Pounds. 

Voted  that  M^  Samuel  Andrew  &  the  Rector  &  M^  Prout  be  a 

Committee  to  lay  the  Address  of  the  Trustees  before  the 

General  Assembly  in  Oct^  next  for  a  further  supply  to  the 

College. 

Voted  that  S'"  Hubbard  be  a  Tutor  for  the  present  Year. 

Voted  that  to  the  two  Hundred  Pounds  mentioned  in  the  Act 

of  the  Trustees  Octob^  1727  twelve  Pounds  more  be  paid  to 

the  Rector  for  the  Year  past. 

Voted  that  M""  Edwards  Tutor  be  allowed  seventy  five  Pounds 


278  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY  [1729 

as  a  ful  Recompence  for  all  his  past  services  in  the  Collegiate 
School. 

Voted  that  an  Order  be  given  to  M^  John  Prout  treasurer  to 
pay  to  the  Rector  two  Hundred  &  twelve  pounds  as  a  Salary 
for  the  last  Year. 

Voted  that  the  money  for  the  Commencement  Dinner  which 
is  19  £  &  is  in  his  Hands  &  above  the  Order  of  two  Hundred 
&  twelve  pounds  be  allowed  to  him. 

Voted  that  S^  Beckwith  be  in  the  Place  of  a  Butler  for  the 
present  Year. 

Voted  that  we  approve  &  Consent  that  the  present  Rect^  be 
looked  upon  as  a  Trustee  of  Yale  College  by  Virtue  of  the  Act 
of  the  General  Assembly  constituteing  of  him  one  of  that 
Number. 

Voted  that  the  Sen'"  Tutor  shall  have  an  Order  for  50  £  as 
Tutor  &  for  5  £  as  Library  keeper  &  the  Jun^"  Tutor  50  £  ac- 
cording to  the  Promise  made  to  them  when  they  accepted  of 
those  Posts. 


CLXIII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Connecti- 
cut General  Assembly 

May  8,  1729 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Honourable  the  Governour,  the  Councell,  and  Repre- 
sentatives, In  Generall  Court  Assembled;  In  Hartford:  May 
the  8*^-  1729.  The  prayer  of  Some  of  the  trustees  of  Yale 
Colledge,  In  New-Haven,  In  Behalf  of  said  Colledge  Humbly 
Sheweth — 

That  Whereas  Address  Was  made  to  this  Honourable  As- 
sembly In  October  last  by  the  Joynt  Concurrance  of  the  trus- 
tees of  Yale  Colledge,  praying  Releif  for  Support  of  Said 
Colledge  In  their  Necessary  Expences,  and  through  Some 
Misunderstanding  between  the  2  Houses,  No  Conclusion  was 


1729]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  279 

come  too.  Wee  therefore  abovesaid  Trustees  do  take  liberty 
to  Renew  the  Application  to  this  Honourable  Assembly  In 
behalf  of  said  Colledge,  that  you  will  please  as  hitherto  you 
have  done  to  Own  that  Society  as  Erected  by  your  Selves,  as 
a  testimony  of  your  pious  desires  for  the  promoting  of  learn- 
ing amongst  us,  and  for  the  Supplying  our  Churches,  when 
a  vacancy  doth  Happen,  with  persons  Qualified  for  the  work 
of  the  Ministry,  which  Good  purposes  through  the  blessing 
of  God  Have  been  Manifestly  Crowned  with  Success,  and  the 
present  flourishing  of  our  Colledge  promiseth  Services  of  this 
Nature  yet  to  come,  but  under  the  favour  of  divine  Goodness 
our  dependance  is  on  your  Selves,  that  you  would  favour  your 
own  Ofspring,  so  hopefull,  and  not  suffer  it  to  dye  for  lack  of 
bread.  The  State  of  the  Colledge  as  to  its  necessary  Expenses 
and  Incomes  was  fully  set  forth  to  this  Honourable  Assembly, 
att  the  Meeting  att  October  last  when  it  Appeared  that  the 
layings  out  Exceeded  the  Incomes  Upwards  of  an  160  pound 
which  if  not  Releived  it  will  necessarily  Sink.  The  most  Easy 
way,  as  appears  to  us  is  to  make  us  an  allowance  of  the  Rhum 
Act,  but  if  any  other  Method  Seem  more  Agreeable  to  the 
Honourable  Assembly  We  shall,  not  for  any  particular  benefit 
to  our  Selves  but  in  behalf  of  the  whole  Government,  Accept  it 
thankfully.  And  we  w^ould  further  pray  that  the  payments  of 
what  may  be  allowed  may  be  made  in  May  and  October,  the 
Necessity  of  Rector  and  tutors  Requiring  it.  And  we  would 
further  Humbly  Inform  this  Honourable  Assembly,  that  the 
disorders  committed  at  the  Colledge  in  Cambridge  at  publick 
times  by  those  that  were  not  Members  of  the  Colledge,  moved 
the  Government  there  to  Give  the  president  a  Commission  for 
the  Peace.  May  not  this  Court  from  the  like  disorders 
Happening  with  us  Att  our  publick  times  conclude  the  like 
Necessity  of  Such  a  Commission  to  our  Rector.  And  your 
memorialists  shall  ever  pray. 

t:  woodbridge 
Jn<>-  Davenport 
Tho.  Buckingham. 
Sam^^-  Whitman 


280  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1729 

On  y®  prayer  of  y®  within  Memorial,  Granted  y*-  there  be 
an  addition  of  Eighty  pounds,  paid  out  of  y^  Colony  Treas^'^-, 
for  y^  Space  of  Two  years,  and  to  be  paid  at  y®  Several  times 
as  within  pray'd  for  &  that  a  bill  be  prepared  in  form. 

Past  in  y®  Lower  House 
Test.  Jn^'-  Russell  Clerk 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test.  Hez  :  Wyllys  Clerk 


CLXIV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  10,  1729 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

Att  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
at  New  Haven  Sept  10  1729 

Samuel  Andrew,  • 
Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator, 
Joseph  Webb, 
John  Davenport, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
••  Elisha  Williams. 


Then  present  the  Rev*^  M^" 


Voted  that  the  Rector  be  appointed  to  look  over  the  Acts  of 
the  Trustees  &  such  of  them  as  he  Judges  proper  to  be  put  into 
the  Book  of  records  to  be  placed  by  themselves,  such  as  are 
doubtfull  by  themselves,  &  such  as  he  judges  not  fit  by  them- 
selves, in  Order  to  their  being  laid  before  the  Trustees  &  after- 
wards put  on  Record. 

Voted  that  the  Names  of  the  Benefactors  to  Yale  College  & 
their  several  Donations  be  put  on  Record. 


1729]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  281 

Agreed  by  the  Trustees  that  upon  the  Desire  of  M''  Fisk, 

Major  Sabin  shall  be  joyned  with  two  persons  to  be  nominated 

by  them  to  view  the  Land  offered  by  M'"  Fisk  &  M^  Levins  & 

determine  whether  it  be  an  equivalent  for  the  College  Farm 

given  by  Maj^  Fitch,  any  two  of  them  agreeing  therein  also 

that  the  persons  sent  to  view  s*^  Land  shall  determine  by  whom 

the  charge  thereupon  arising  shall  be  defrayed  any  two  of 

them  agreeing  therein. 

S'"  Parsons  was  chosen  to  the  Office  of  a  Butler  in  Yale  College. 

Allowed  to  S''  Sergeant  one  pound  for  serving  in  the  Place  of 

Monitor  the  last  Year. 

Voted  that  the  Rev^  M'"  Woodbridge  return  the  Thanks  of  the 

Trustees  to  M^  Dummer  for  two  valuable  Books  lately  given 

by  him  to  Yale  College  as  an  Addition  to  his  former  Bounty. 

Voted  that  the  Monitor  be  allowed  three  pounds  for  that 

Service  annually. 

Voted  that  M^"  Elnathan  Whitman  &  S^  Hubbard  be  continued 

in  the  Place  of  Tutors. 

Voted  that  upon  every  Quarter  Day  the  Rector  &  the  Tutors 

with  M^  Punderson  shall  proportion  the  Advance  on  Bread 

to  every  Schollar  according  to  the  Rise  of  Wheat  above  what 

it  was  last  Year  which  we  take  to  be  Seven  Shillings  p'" 

Bushell :  only  for  ye  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Rector  be  allowed  250  £  out  of  the  Treasury 

as  a  Salary  for  the  Year  past,  &  the  Tutors  60  £  each  as  a 

Salary  for  the  last  Year. 

Voted  that  we  allow  the  Charge  the  Rector  has  been  at  about 

his  House  and  Well,  &  M^  Caners  further  Account  about  his 

Barn  and  the  necessary  Charges  the  Steward  has  been  at  in 

Repairs  for  the  College  with  the  Commencement  Dinner  y^ 

Rector  is  impowered  to  sign  a  Note  to  the  Treasurer  for  y« 

Payment  of  it. 

The  Trustees  received  of  the  Rector  thirty  one  Pounds  which 

was  the  Sum  then  paid  by  the  graduated  Persons  for  the 

Commencement  Dinner. 

The  Miscarriages  Delinquencies  &  Crimes  of  Mix  a  Student  of 


282  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1729 

this  College  have  been  by  the  Rev<i  Rector  &  Tutors  (the 
Delinquent  also  being  present)  laid  before  the  Trustees  Board 
which  were  striking  of  several  Students  &  after  that  running 
away  without  the  leave  of  y®  Rector  or  Tutor  near  forty  miles 
distant  from  y^  College  &  not  long  after  that  striking  & 
fighting  with  a  man  of  this  Town  whose  Name  is  Chatterton  & 
all  said  Crimes  confessed  by  s*^  Mix  on  the  hearing  of  which 
Crimes  therefore  the  Trustees  here  assembled  give  Jugement 
in  the  Case  as  follows  viz :  that  s*^  Mix  for  s^^  Crimes  &  Offences 
shall  be  suspended  from  all  College  Priviledges  for  a  Year  & 
then  it  appearing  by  good  Testimonies  that  he  is  reformed  in 
his  manners  and  is  become  a  diligent  improver  of  his  Time 
&  Studies  his  Suspension  may  be  removed  he  making  an  Ac- 
knowlegement  of  his  Faults  publickly  in  the  Hall  &  answering 
all  College  Dues  to  the  Time. 

Samuel  Whitman  Scribe. 

After  the  Trustees  had  come  into  this  Agreement  &  Judgement 
they  received  an  open  letter  from  s<^  Mix 's  Father  saying  that 
he  sees  cause  to  take  his  son  Mix  out  of  the  College.  Dated 
September  12  1729. 


CLXV.    Memorial  of  Elisha  Williams  to  the  Co:n^- 

NECTICUT  GrENERAL  ASSEMBLY 

October  9,  1729 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  The  Honour^i®-  The  Governour  Council  and  Representa- 
tives in  General-  Court  assembled — The  Memorial  of  Elisha 
Williams  Humbly  sheweth — 

That  when  the-Rev*^-  M^-  Timothy  Cutler  was  Rector  of  Yale 
College  The  Assembly  were  pleased  to  order,  that  himself  & 
his  Estate  should  be  free  from  all  Taxes  during  his  Continu- 
ance in  that  Office;  which  seeming  so  plainly  to  Point  out  a 


1729]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  283 

Favour  as  Intended  by  the  Assembly  to  be  annexed  to  y« 
office.  That  when  I  obeyed  y*'  Call  of  This  Government  in 
accepting  the  afores^^-  Charge  I  could  do  no  other  than  assure 
my  Self  The  Assembly  would  continue  y^  s^-  Favour  to  that 
office — unless  some  way  or  other  The  Frowns  of  The  Asseml)ly 
should  be  merited.  And  The  Assembly  nor  any  Person  has 
yet  Intimated  to  me  that  my  Service  in  that  office  is  less 
acceptable  to  them  Than  M^-  Cutler's  as  a  reason  why  I 
should  not  Like  him  Share  in  that  Benefit.  That  y®  Rev<i- 
Trustees  for  the  College  in  their  Memorial  Laid  before  y^ 
Assembly  in  Octobi"-  last  past  Did  shew  to  the  Assembly  that 
y®  allowances  hitherto  made  were  not  sufficient  to  support  y^ 
Rector  in  his  office.  To  which  I  only  beg  Leave  to  add,  that 
I  who  best  know  my  own  Circumstances,  Do  assure  your 
Honours,  That  in  my  Coming  from  Newington  to  this  Service 
to  which  you  have  seen  fit  to  call  me,  I  have  not  Advantaged 
but  Disadvantaged  my  Temporal  Estate — which  I  am  ready 
to  demonstrate  to  y^-  Honourable  Assembly  If  it  Thinks  fit 
to  hear  me  upon  it. 

It  is  y^fore  my  request  to  y^-  Honour^i^-  Assembly  That  you 
would  graciously  please  to  Grant  me  the  Same  Freedom  from 
Taxes,  as  you  have  done  to  my  Predecessor,  which  will  En- 
courage me  Cheerfully  to  Pursue  the  Great  Trust  Committed 
to  me — And  I  shall  as  In  Duty  Bound  Ever  pray  «S:c 

Elisha  Williams. 

NewHaven,  Oct :  9*1^-  1729. 

The  Pray^-  of  the  above  Memoriall  granted  Excepting  the 
Society  Charges  in  the  Parrish  of  Newington — and  that  a 
Bill  be  drawn  in  fform. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secrefy- 

Read  &  dissented  too  in  y^  Lower  House 
Test.  Jno-  Russell  Clerk 


284  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY  [1730 

John  Hall  and  John  Hooker  Esq^^-  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mitte  to  Conferr  with  such  Gentlemen  as  the  Lower  House 
shall  appoint  on  the  diference  of  the  Houses  upon  the  within 
Memoriall. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secrefy- 

M''-  Edmond  Lewiss  &  Cap*-  Jn^-  Riggs  appointed  a  Com^tee 
to  Confer  w*^-  y^  above  Com**^^.  o^  y^  Differences  of  y^  Houses 
upon  y^  within  memorial 

Past  in  y®  Lower  House 

Test:  Jno-  Eussell  Clerk 

The  matter  of  y®  within  memorial  was  now  reconsidered  in 
ye  Lower  House  with  y^  arguments  of  y«  Com^^^es.  in  Confer- 
ence on  ye  Difference  of  y®  Houses,  as  reported  by  M^-  Lewis 
and  Cap*-  Eiggs  from  y^  Com^tee  and  after  a  large  Debate  had 
thereon  y«  question  was  put  Whether  y^  prayer  of  y®  above 
memorial  (Excepting  y^  Society  Charges  in  y®  Parish  of 
Newington)  shall  be  granted. 

resolved  in  y®  Negative 

Test.  Jno-  Eussell  Clerk 


CLXVI.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  George  Berkeley 

March  24,  1730 

[From  a  copy  in  Beardsley's  Life  of  Samuel  Johnson, 
pp.  73-75,  New  York,  1874] 

This  extract,  from  the  first  extant  letter  of  the  corre- 
spondence between  Dean  Berkeley  and  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Johnson,  is  printed  as  being  the  earliest  known  reference 
to  Berkeley's  interest  in  the  College. 

Eev.  Sir, 

Yours  of  Feb.  5th  came  not  to  my  hand  before  yesterday. 


1730]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  285 

I  send  you  herewith  ten  bound  books  and  one  unbound. 
You  will  take  yourself  what  you  have  not  already.  You  will 
give  the  Principles,  the  Theory,  the  Dialogue,  one  of  each, 
with  my  service  to  the  gentleman  who  is  Fellow  of  New  Haven 
College,  whose  compliments  you  brought  to  me 

Your  very  humble  serv't, 

Geoe.  Berkeley. 

Pray  let  me  know  whether  they  would  admit  the  writings  of 
Hooker  and  Chillingworth  into  the  library  of  the  College  in 
New  Haven. 

Rhode  Island,  March  24,  1729-30. 


CLXVII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  9, 1730 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
at  N.  Haven  Sept.  9,  1730. 

Samuel  Andrew  Moderator 
Timothy  Woodbridge, 
John  Davenport, 
Tho^  Buckingham, 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
Elisha  Williams. 


Then  present  the  Rev*^  M' 


Voted  that  the  Trustees  do  well  accept  of  the  Judgement  of 
Mr  Nathaniel  Burnham,  Martin  Kellogg,  Ebenezer  Sabin  re- 
specting the  Equivalency  of  the  Farm  at  Ouzetunnuck  River 
to  that  at  Killingly. 

Voted  that  y«  Trustees  make  Choice  of  y«  Rev^^  M^"  Jared 
Eliot  of  Kennelworth  to  be  a  Trustee  of  Yale  College  in  the 
Room  of  the  Rev*^  M^  Moses  Noyes  of  LjTue  deceased. 


286  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1730 

Voted  that  y^  Trustees  make  Choice  of  the  Rev<i  M^  Joseph 
Mosse  of  Darby  to  be  a  Trusty  of  Yale  College  in  the  Room  of 
the  Rev*^  M'"  Samuel  Russel  of  Branford  who  by  Reason  of 
Age  &  bodily  Infirmities  has  resigned  the  Place  he  held  among 
them. 

Voted  that  S^  Adams  be  chosen  to  the  Office  of  a  Butler  of 
Yale  College. 

Voted  that  the  Trustees  accept  the  Confession  of  Mix,  on  his 
complying  with  the  Judgement  of  this  Board  and  on  his  so 
doing  order  him  to  be  restored  to  his  former  Place  &  privileges 
in  the  College. 

Voted  that  the  Tutors  have  each  5  £  added  to  their  Salaries 
the  one  65  £  the  other  70  £. 

'  Voted  that  the  Rector  be  allowed  three  Hundred  Pounds. 
M^  Andrew  drawing  of,  the  Trustees  by  Vote  chose  the  Rev*^ 
M^  Timothy  Woodbridge  Moderator. 

The  Trustees  received  of  the  Rector  27  £  which  was  the  sum 
pd  by  ye  Graduated  persons  for  the  Commencement  Dinner. 
The  Rev<5  M^  Joseph  Moss  &  M^  Jared  Eliot  were  by  Vote 
chosen  to  present  the  memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  General 
Assembly  to  be  holden  at  N  Haven  in  October  next. 
Voted  that  the  'Rev^  M^  Timo  Woodbridge,  Tho^  Buckingham 
&  Sam^i  Whitman  carry  the  memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the 
General  Assembly  in  May  next  if  there  should  be  Occasion. 
Voted  that  six  shillings  p'"  Week  be  p<^  by  each  Student  in 
Commons  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  that  the  Thanks  of  this  Board  be  returned  to  M^ 
Thompson  for  his  Donation  and  to  M^  Watts  for  his  Donation 
&  to  Gov^  Belcher  for  the  good  Service  done  in  procuring  a 
good  Donation  from  one  of  the  forementioned  persons  &  y*^ 
Rev*i  Rect^  is  hereby  desired  to  do  it 

Voted  that  M^  Eliot  be  desired  to  recover  as  many  of  the 
College  Books  as  he  can  &  return  them  hither  at  the  College 
Charge. 


1730]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  287 

CLXVIII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Con- 
necticut General  Assembly 

September  9,  1730 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Hon^i^-,  the  Governo^-,  Council,  &  Representatives  in 
General  Court  assembled  now  sitting  in  New-haven  October 
the  8th-  1730. 

The  Memorial  of  y^  Trustees  of  Yale-Colledg  humbly 
sheweth,  y*-  it  hath  been  justly  accounted  to  the  hono^-  of 
this  Religious  &  Generous  Assembly,  y*-  Their  Provident 
Thoughts  for  y®  Interest  of  Religion  &  Humane  Literature 
have  for  Twenty  nine  years  past  exerted  themselvs  in  found- 
ing by  their  Authority  a  Collegiate  &  Academical  Nursery  in 
this  Colony :  &  altho  by  Reason  of  the  Vicissitude  of  Times  It 
hath  known  a  declining  State,  yet  more  lately  to  y^  great 
Satisfaction  of  Yourselvs,  Us  &  o^-  Country  in  general  it  has 
arrived  at  &  appears  in  a  flourishing  State  by  a  full  Supply 
of  Officers  Academical,  vizt:  an  accomplisht  &  agreeable 
Recto'"-,  &  Worthy  Tuto^^-,  &  a  pleasing  Increase  of  Students 
hopeful  for  a  publick  Improvem*-  to  y^  Credit  of  s*^-  Colony: 
Also  that  to  the  honoi"-  of  s*^-  Assembly  thro  y^  divine  favo'"- 
your  Smiles  have  been  benignly  cast  on  s^-  Nursery  by  a 
favorable  Donation  from  y®  beginning  of  s*^-  Founding,  & 
since  by  Reason  of  y®  sinking  Value  of  Bills  of  Credit,  there 
have  been  additional  Donations  many  times  from  y®  As- 
sembly, the  last  whereof  expires  w^^-  this  present  Session. 
We  entertain,  may  it  please  yo^-  hono'"^-,  a  perswasion  there- 
fore yt-  this  Honour^ie.  Assembly  will  in  no  wise  be  wanting 
generously  to  provide  for  the  hon^^^-  Subsistence  of  s"^- 
Nursery  yo^selvs  have  founded,  countenanced  &  supported 
to  this  time,  &  humbly  intreat  yo^-  tender  affection  &  benefi- 
cence in  annually  granting  the  Summ  of  two  hundred  &  fifty 
pounds  in  bills  of  Credit,  in  consideration  y*-  y^  necessity  of 


288        '  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1730 

y«  Colledg  credible  Subsistence  appears  to  us  to  require  so 
much,  besides  w*-  is  obvious  to  every  one  among  us  the  Estate 
of  y^  Bills  of  Credit  is  so  exceedingly  fallen ;  or  in  addition  to 
y«  hundred  Pounds  annually  Granted  by  y^  Hon^^^.  Assembly 
would  please  to  grant  the  Impost  Money  during  their  Pleas- 
ure— And  yo^-  Memorialists  shall  as  in  duty  bound  ever  pray 

Samuel  Andbew 
Timothy  Woodbridge 
John  Davenport 
Tho.  Buckingham 
Eliphalet  Adams 
Sam^^-  Whitman 
Joseph  Moss 
Jared  Eliot 

Yale  College  New  Haven  Sep.  9*^.  1730. 

Upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Reverend  Trustees  of  Yale 
Colledge,  This  Assembly  grants  in  Addition  To  the  former 
Allowance  of  one  hundred  pounds  made  To  said  Colledge,  the 
Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  a  Year  for  the  Term  of  Two 
Years  next  coming,  and  what  this  Assembly  allows  To  said 
Colledge  Shall  be  Yearly  paid  the  one  half  thereof  in  May 
and  the  Other  half  thereof  in  October  the  first  payment  To 
be  made  in  May  next, 

Past  in  the  Upper  House. 

Test :  G.  Wyllys  Secret'-J- 

Concurred  with  in  y^  Lower  House 

Test.  Jn^-  Russell  Clerk 


1731]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  289 

CLXIX.    Letter  of  George  Berkeley 

September  7, 1731 

[From  a  copy  in  Beardsley's  Life  of  Johnson,  p.  78, 
New  York,  1874] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Samuel  Jolinson,  of  Stratford. 

Rev.  Sir, 

I  am  now  upon  the  point  of  setting  out  for  Boston,  in  order 
to  embark  for  England 

My  endeavors  shall  not  be  wanting,  some  way  or  other,  to 
be  useful ;  and  I  should  be  very  glad  to  be  so  in  particular  to 
the  College  at  New  Haven,  and  the  more  as  you  were  once  a 
member  of  it,  and  have  still  an  influence  there.  Pray  return 
my  service  to  those  gentlemen  who  sent  their  compliments  by 
you. 

I  have  left  a  box  of  books  with  Mr.  Kay,  to  be  given  away 
by  you  ......  The  Greek  and  Latin  books  I  would  have 

given  to  such  lads  as  you  think  will  make  the  best  use  of  them 
in  the  College,  or  to  the  school  at  New  Haven 

Very  truly.  Rev.  Sir,  Your  most  humble  servant, 

Geob.  Berkeley. 

Rhode  Island,  Sept.  7, 1731. 


290  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1731 

CLXX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  8,  1731 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  about  1733] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library  at 

N  Haven  Sept  8, 1731. 

Samuel  Andrew  Moderator, 
Joseph  Webb, 
Thomas  Buckingham, 
Ehphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
Elisha  Wilhams, 
Jared  Ehot. 


Then  present  the  Rev^  M^ 


Considering  the  ill  Practice  of  firing  the  Gunns  at  the  anni- 
versary Com™^^*-  to  prevent  the  same  for  the  future,  we 
strictly  forbid  it  &  resolve  that  if  any  of  the  Undergraduates 
be  found  to  have  a  Hand  in  such  firing  of  the  Gunns  for  the 
future  either  directly  or  indirectly  during  that  whole  week 
they  shall  be  punished  with  Degradation  or  other  such  Pun- 
ishment as  the  Governours  of  the  College  may  judge  their 
Fault  deserves. 

Whereas  there  are  several  Books  in  the  Library  that  are 
duplicates  we  resolve  that  one  Book  or  Sett  of  each  duplicate 
be  sold  by  the  Rector  &  Tutors  &  the  money  improved  in  pur- 
chasing of  other  Books  that  the  Library  at  present  is  not 
furnished  with. 

The  Rev<i  M^  Ebenezer  Williams  of  Pomphrett  was  chosen  a 
Trustee  of  Yale  College. 

Voted  that  the  Salaries  of  the  Rector  &  Tutors  be  the  same 
for  this  Year  as  they  were  the  last,  To  the  Rector  300  £  &  to 
the  eldest  Tutor  70  £  &  the  other  65. 

Voted  That  the  Rector  give  an  Order  to  the  Treasurer  for  the 
payment  of  the  Commencement  Dinner,  to  M^  Caner,  to  the 


1732]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  291 

Monitor,  &  to  the  Schollar  of  the  House  the  respective  Sums 
due  to  y™  &  also  to  the  Treasurer. 

Voted  that  M^  Daniel  Hubbard  be  allowed  8  £  for  former  Ser- 
vices for  which  his  Allowances  were  small  in  Case  there  be  a 
Sufficiency  for  it  after  the  College  Debts  are  paid. 
Voted  that  M^  Sam^^  Whitman  be  joyned  with  the  Rector  to 
overlook  the  Papers  belonging  to  Yale  College  &  determine 
concerning  them  what  are  proper  to  be  put  on  Record  &  what 
not  &  prepared  them  to  be  set  before  the  Trustees  at  their  next 
Meeting. 

Ordered  that  a  Note  be  drawn  of  seven  Pounds  to  pay  for  the 
Binding  M^  Baxters  Works  given  to  this  College  by  y^  Hon^^^ 
Samuel  Holden  Esq^  of  London  by  y«  Hand  of  the  Bev^  M' 
Coleman. 

Voted  that  M^  Daniel  Hubbard  late  Tutor  be  desired  to  take 
Care  to  obtain  the  Money  remaining  due  to  the  College  by  the 
Excise  Act  out  of  which  he  may  have  the  8  £  granted  to  him 
when  the  present  Debts  of  the  College  are  paid. 
At  y«  Same  Meeting  S"^  Sergeant  was  chosen  Tutor  of  Yale 
College. 


CLXXI.    Lettek  of  George  Berkeley 

July  25,  1732 

[From  a  copy  in  Beardsley's  Life  of  Samuel  Johnson, 
pp.  79-81,  New  York,  1874] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson.  The  enclosed  deed 
of  conveyance  of  the  author's  farm  on  Rhode  Island,  for 
the  endowment  of  scholarships,  is  in  print  elsewhere. 

London,  July  25,  1732. 
Rev.  Sir, 

Some  part  of  the  benefactions  to  the  College  of  Bermuda, 
which  I  could  not  return,  the  benefactors  being  deceased, 
joined  with  the  assistance  of  some  living  friends,  has  enabled 


292  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1732 


me  without  any  great  loss  to  myself,  to  dispose  of  my  farm 
in  Rhode  Island  in  favor  of  the  College  in  Connecticut.  It  is 
my  opinion  that  as  human  learning  and  the  improvements  of 
Reason  are  of  no  small  use  in  Religion,  so  it  would  very  much 
forward  those  ends,  if  some  of  your  students  were  enabled  to 
subsist  longer  at  their  studies,  and  if  by  a  public  tryal  and 
premium  an  Emulation  were  inspired  into  all.  This  method 
of  encouragement  hath  been  found  useful  in  other  learned 
societies,  and  I  think  it  cannot  fail  of  being  so  in  one  where 
a  person  so  well  qualified  as  yourself  has  such  influence,  and 

will  bear  a  share  in  the  elections This  pacquet 

contains  the  instrument  of  conveyance  in  form  of 

law,  together  with  a  letter  for  Mr.  President  Williams,  which 
you  will  deliver  to  him.  I  shall  make  it  my  endeavor  to  pro- 
cure a  benefaction  of  books  for  the  College  library,  and  am 

not  without  hopes  of  success 

I  am  very  truly.  Rev.  Sir, 

Your  faithful  humble  serv*-, 
Geok.  Berkeley. 


CLXXII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Con- 
necticut General  Assembly 

May  16,  1732 
with  the  action  thereon,  in  May  and  October,  1732 

[Prom  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  Memorial  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Thomas  Fitch 
(Yale  1721),  of  Norwalk,  already  one  of  the  leading 
lawyers  in  the  Colony ;  it  was  presented  in  May,  1732,  and 
referred  to  the  next  Assembly. 

To  y^  Honourable  General  Assembly  now  sitting  in  Hart- 
ford y^  Memorial  of  Elisha  Williams  Sam^i-  Andrew  and  y® 
Rest  of  ye  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  Humbly  Sheweth. 


1732]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  293 

That  y''  s<^-  Colledge  was  first  set  up  and  has  been  much  sup- 
ported by  y<^  favour  of  this  assembly  and  y*-  yet  y^-  Memorial- 
ists are  oblidged  to  apply  to  you  for  its  Support  which  thing 
we  should  be  exceeding  Glad  if  in  future  time  you  would  take 
away  y^  occasion  of  by  making  some  present  Donation  y*^- 
may  hereafter  prove  advantagious  to  s^-  School  and  we  can 
think  of  nothing  better  than  y*-  you  grant  a  farm  of  land  in 
each  or  some  of  y®  townships  at  present  only  surveyed  and 
hereafter  to  be  Disposed  of  &  settled  which  thing  to  us  seems 
Reasonable. 

first  for  y*-  y®  promotion  of  y^  interest  of  such  a  School  of 
Learning  in  Divine  &  humane  Knowledge  is  very  Laudable 
and  a  publick  good. 

21y  the  gift  itself  at  present  is  but  little  cost  tho  after  may 
be  Valluable. 

31y  y^  s*^-  School  will  be  likely  to  improve  such  farm  or 
farms  while  particular  men  will  obtain  Rights  &c.  only  to 
make  Sale  or  Merchandise  thereof,  and  it  seems  to  be  proper 
in  this  as  well  as  in  other  cases  to  bestow  some  part  to  a 
Charitable  use  and  unless  y*-  School  be  well  supported  there 
had  as  good  be  None  and  it  will  be  a  great  Dishonour  to  y^ 
Goverment,  and  if  men  can't  be  handsomly  supported  Men 
of  worth  will  not  be  prevailed  with  to  Undertake  y^  Care  and 
tuition  of  y^  Schollars  and  therefore  y®  Great  Expence  men 
are  at  in  Educating  their  Sons  will  very  much  be  Lost.  All 
which  and  more  we  beg  y^-  Hon^^-  to  Consider  and  Grant  there- 
upon farms  as  afores*^-  to  y^  s<^-  Trustees  and  their  successors 
in  yt-  office  for  y^  use  of  s*^-  Colledge  &c.  And  we  as  in  Duty 
bound  shall  &c. 


Tho.  Fitch 
Joseph  Fowler 


Attorneys  in 
behalf  of  ye 
memorialists 


May  16th.  1732 


Upon  the  Memoriall  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  mov- 
ing to  this  Assembly  to  Endow  the  said  Colledge  with  some 
Lands  in  the  five  Townships  that  be  laid  out  and  unsettled  on 
the  eastward  of  Oussatunnuck  River 


294  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1732 

Resolved  that  when  this  Assembly  shall  proceed  to  settle 
said  five  parcells  of  Land  laid  out  for  Townships  there  shall 
be  three  hundred  acres  of  Land  in  each  of  s<^-  Townships  laid 
out  and  secured  to  remain  to  the  use  of  the  s*^-  Colledge 
forever. 

Past  in  the  Upp^-  House 

Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secretly- 
Concurred  with  in  y^  Lower  House  with  this  addition  y*-  Each 
three  hund^^  acres  be  layd  out  in  one  entire  piece  in  each  town, 
so  as  not  to  prejudice  any  of  y^  town  plots 

Test.  Jno-  Russell  Clerk. 
Vpon  the  Memorial  of  the  Reuer*^-  Sam^-  Andrew  Eliphalet 
Adams  Elisha  Williams  &c  Trustees  of  Yale  Coledge,  this 
Assembly  do  Grant  &  order  that  in  each  of  the  fine  New  Town- 
ships lately  layed  out  east  of  Housetunnuck  Riuer,  there  Shall 
be  Layed  out  in  one  Intire  peice  three  hundered  acres  of  Land, 
to  be  layed  at  a  distance  from  the  Seueral  Town  plats,  which 
Tracts  of  Land,  containing  in  the  whole  fiueteen  hundered 
acres,  shall  when  layed  out  be  by  a  pattent  under  the  Seale  of 
this  Colony  Granted  &  Confirmed  to  the  Trustees  of  s<i- 
Coledge  To  Haue  and  To  Hold  to  them  &  theire  Successors, 
Trustees  of  the  s*^-  Coledge  for  the  onely  &  Sole  use  benefit  & 
behoofe  of  s*^-  Schoole  foreuer,  &  to  no  other  use. 

Past  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secret^'y- 

Concurred  with  in  y^  Lower  House 

Test,  Jno-  Russell  Clerk 


1732]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  295 

CLXXIII.    Extract  from  a  Letter  of  Tiaiothy  Cutler 

September  4,  1732 

[From  a  copy  in  John  Nichols's  Illustrations  of  the 
Literary  History  of  the  Eighteenth  Century,  vol.  4,  pp. 
292-294,  London,  1822] 

Addressed  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Zachary  Grey,  of  Cam- 
bridge, England,  by  the  former  Rector  of  Y'ale,  who  also 
maintained  a  correspondence  with  the  Rev.  Samuel  John- 
son, of  Stratford. 

He  seems  to  intimate  that  Rector  Williams  was  dis- 
posed to  declare  for  Episcopacy.  The  suggestion  was 
groundless, 

Boston,  New  England, 
Sept.  4,  1732. 

My  Reverend,  most  worthy,  and  obliging  Friend, 

Mr.  Johnson  has  the  pleasure  of  bettering  the 

College  in  his  neighbourhood,  and  seeing  several  of  the  Re- 
gents and  Students  advancing  towards  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, insomuch  that  the  Rector,  who  would  save  his  bacon 
whilst  he  is  getting  light,  is  in  danger  of  having  his  public 
salary  taken  from  him  whilst  he  is  dodging  about ;  and  nothing 
keeps  the  brightest  of  our  youth  from  coming  into  the  Church, 

but  courage  enough  to  starve 

I  remain,  Reverend  and  dear  Sir,  your  most  affectionate, 
thankful,  faithful,  humble  servant, 

Timothy  Cutleb. 


296  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1732 

CLXXIV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  13,  1732 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  soon  after  this  date] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
at  N  Haven  Sept  13, 1732 


Then  present  the  Rev<i  M^" 


Samuel  Andrew  Moderator, 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
Elisha  Williams, 
Jared  Eliot, 
Ebenezer  Williams. 


The  Rev<i  M^  Samuel  Woodbridge  of  Hartford,  M^  Samuel 
Cook  of  Stratfield,  M^"  Jonathan  Marsh  of  Windsor  were 
chosen  Trustees. 

Yale  College  in  New  Haven  Sept.  13, 1732 

To  The  Rev*^  M'"  Stephen  Buckingham, 
Sir 

The  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  New  Haven 
observing  that  you  attend  not  y^^  Meetings  tho'  once  legally 
chosen  into  their  Number  they  would  be  glad  to  know  whether 
you  do  not  think  yourself  one  of  their  Number  &  if  you  are 
indisposed  or  think  yourself  unqualified  to  serve  the  Interest 
of  the  School  any  longer,  yy  desire  you  would  send  them  a 
Resignation  of  your  Place  among  them  that  another  may 
be  chosen  into  it.    written  by  Order  of  the  Trustees 

&  signed  p''  me 

Sam^^  Whitman  Scribe. 

Voted  that  the  Salaries  of  the  Rector  &  Tutors  be  the  same 
this  Year  as  they  were  the  last  Year,  the  Rectors  Sallary  300 
£  the  eldest  Tutors  70  £  the  other  Tutors  65  £. 


1732]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  297 

Agreed  that  the  Service  of  M''  Samuel  "Whitman  &  the  Rectors 
in  preparing  the  Acts  of  the  Trustees  for  a  Record  be  accepted 
&  that  the  Rector  be  desired  to  see  after  the  recording  them. 
Voted  that  the  Bread  provided  by  the  Steward  for  the 
Schollars  shall  be  reckoned  at  7  Shillings  p^  Bushell  "Wheat 
quarterly  &  in  Case  it  cant  be  obtained  for  7  p'"  Bushell  what 
he  gives  more  p^  Bushell  provided  it  be  not  more  than  it  might 
be  had  for  to  be  allowed  by  y®  Rector  &  Tutors. 
Voted  that  Mi"  Jared  Eliot,  M^-  Samuel  Cook  &  M''  Ebenezer 
Williams  be  a  Committee  to  treat  with  &  intreat  the  General 
Assembly  in  behalf  of  Yale  College  to  obtain  for  it  a  Support 
for  future  Time  in  such  a  Way  &  Manner  as  they  think  most 
suitable  &  convenient. 

Voted  that  the  Rector  be  desired  to  make  up  Accounts  ^vith 
the  Steward  about  the  Commencement  Dinner  &  order  the 
respective  Summs  due  to  the  Tutors  to  the  Treasurer  the 
Schollar  of  the  House  &  the  Monitor  to  be  paid  to  them  &  the 
Glaziers  Bill  to  be  paid  to  him. 
Sir  Adams  was  chosen  Tutor  of  Yale  College. 
Sir  Cook  was  chosen  Butler  of  Yale  College. 
Voted  that  the  Rev^  M^"  Jared  Eliot,  Ebenezer  Williams, 
Samuel  Cook  be  desired  to  treat  with  the  Committee  for  the 
Meeting  House  about  allowing  the  Rector  some  Place  in  the 
meeting  House  that  may  be  a  Convenient  Seat  for  his  Family. 


298  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1732 

CLXXV.    Letter  of  Benjamin  Colman 

December  2,  1732 

[From  the  printed  draft  in  Turell's  Life  of  Colman,  pp. 
61-62,  Boston,  1749] 

Two  other  letters  of  the  same  author,  addressed  to 
Rector  Williams  and  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Williams  re- 
spectively, and  of  similar  purport,  are  also  printed  in 
the  Life  of  Dr.  Colman,  but  need  not  be  reproduced  here. 

To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Eliphalet  Adams  of  New  London. 
Rev.  Sir, 

As  you  are  one  of  the  Trustees  for  Yale  College,  and  I  know 
you  have  the  Welfare  of  that  Society  much  at  Heart,  as  well 
as  the  Doctrines  and  Laws  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ  as  re- 
ceived in  these  Churches;  so  at  the  Desire  of  some  of  your 
sincere  and  esteemed  Friends  here  I  take  upon  me  to  write 
to  you  at  this  Time,  upon  the  Fame  of  the  noble  Gift  to  your 
College,  from  the  reverend  and  learned  Dean  Berkley. 

I  hope  it  comes  to  you  without  the  Clog  of  any  Condition 
that  is  inconsistent  with  or  subversive  of  the  known  and  true 
Intent  of  the  Honourable  Founders  of  your  College ;  and  that 
the  Reverend  Trustees  will  carefully  see  that  it  does  so  before 
they  accept  of  that  or  any  other  Donation 

Give  me  Leave  to  add  one  Word  more  concerning  the  Bruit 
of  the  Prevalence  of  Arminianism  in  the  College.  I  am  told 
that  you  were  your  self  in  such  Apprehensions  and  Fears  on 
that  Head,  that  you  enquired  earnestly  of  your  Son  concern- 
ing it ;  and  that  the  deceased  aged  Mr.  Woodbridge  of  Hart- 
ford a  little  before  his  Death  was  under  great  Concern  on  that 
Account.  It  would  be  acceptable  to  some  superior  Friends 
here,  if  you  would  freely  write  upon  that  Head 

Your  Brother  and  Servant, 

B.  C. 
Dec.  2, 1732. 


1732]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  299 

CLXXVI.    Peoceedings  of  the  Trustees 

December  20,  1732 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  soon  after  this  date] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  the  Rectors 
House  at  New  Haven  Dec"-  20,  1732. 


Then  present  the  Rev^  Mess" 


Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
Elisha  Williams  Moderator, 
Jared  Eliot, 
Ebenezer  Williams, 
Samuel  Woodbridge, 
Jonathan  Marsh. 


The  Rev^  M^  Samuel  Whittelsey  was  chosen  a  Trustee  of  Yale 
College. 

Voted  That  the  Rector  be  desired  to  apply  to  M^  John  Reed 
for  such  a  Draught  to  be  laid  before  the  Assembly  of  this 
Colony  y6  next  May  for  such  a  Change  of  Names  from  Rector 
and  Trustees  to  such  as  are  kno^vn  in  Law,  and  by  which 
Donations  to  it  may  be  better  liolden. 

Voted  That  y^  Rev*i  M^"  Jared  Eliot  be  hereby  desired  to  go  to 
New  Port  on  Rhodes  Island  and  impowered  by  y^  Trustees  of 
Yale  College  to  put  y^  Indenture  of  D''  George  Berkeley  grant- 
ing to  them  his  Living  on  s*^  Island  on  certain  Provisoes  on 
the  publick  Record  there  to  take  Possession  of  the  Farm  Given 
and  let  it  out  according  to  his  best  Discretion. 
Voted  That  y«  Rev'^  Rector  be  desired  in  a  letter  to  return  y« 
Thanks  of  y^  Trustees  to  the  Rev<i  D^  George  Berkeley  for  his 
Generous  Donation  to  them  of  his  Farm  at  New  Port  on 
Rhodes  Island. 

Voted  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Hartford  y^  Day  fol- 
lowing the  next  General  Election  of  this  Colony  to  address  y^ 
Assembly  in  a  Body  respecting  some  Alteration  to  be  made  in 


300  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1733 

the  Names  whereby  they  are  known  in  the  Charter  granted  us 
and  such  other  Business  as  may  then  appear  necessary. 

These  Votes  were  passed  Affir^i^y- 

Test  Sam^^  Whitman  Scribe. 


CLXXVII.    Extracts  from  ''The  Benefactors  of 
Yale  College,  A  Poetical  Attempt" 

Boston,  1733 

The  author  was  Col.  and  Dr.  John  Hubbard,  of  New 
Haven,  born  1703,  died  1773.  He  was  also  the  author  of 
''A  Monumental  Gratitude  Attempted,"  New  London, 
1727,  commemorating  the  saving  of  a  party  of  students 
from  shipwreck  in  crossing  Long  Island  Sound  in  Au- 
gust, 1726, — which  does  not  need  to  be  further  mentioned. 

Two  of  the  author's  sons  were  graduated  at  Yale  (in 
1744) ,  and  a  daughter  married  President  Ezra  Stiles. 

Connecticut,  be  thou  the  destin'd  theme, 
Minerva  deigns  a  visit  to  thy  stream; 


Between  two  riv'lets  lie  the  chosen  grounds; 
On  either  hand  a  craggy  mountain  bounds 
The  landscape,  and  salutes  the  eye, 
With  artless  beauties,  wild  variety : 
Immortal  trees  their  lofty  summits  grace, 
And  solemn  Silence  reigns  thro '  all  the  place. 


The  centre  of  these  well-distinguish 'd  plains. 
Devoted  ground,  the  humble  dome  sustains. 
Where  without  pomp  divine  Minerva  reigns. 

The  pile  by  Yale's  beneficence  was  rais'd, 
Who  pious  honours  to  his  country  paid, 
And  deep  and  strong  the  sure  foundations  laid. 


1733]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  301 

Of  virtuous  learning  in  his  native  soil ;    ' 
A  gen'rous  bounty  and  a  God-like  toil, 
His  country  back  her  grateful  vows  repeats, 
And  Yale  in  ev  'ry  thankful  bosom  beats. 


Here  flourish  Knowlege  and  each  useful  Art 
That  mends  the  manners  or  improves  the  heart. 
The  Tongue  that  jarr'd  the  air  to  harshest  noise 
Now  sweetly  moves  and  forms  a  pleasant  voice, 
And  Language  guiltless  of  the  Pedant's  care 
With  easy  cadence  charms  the  list'ning  ear; 

Now  Logick  gives  a  pondrous  weight  to  sound 
And  Nonsense  quits  the  long  possessed  ground : 
Here  nervous  Locke  the  sure  foundation  lays 
Of  sterling  reason,  and  his  lasting  praise. 
Divinest  Watts  too  lends  his  helping  hands 
And  Logick  in  a  beauteous  system  stands. 


By  Dummer  nurs'd  as  by  a  Patron's  care, 
Still  Science  grows  and  grows  divinely  fair : 
His  opening  hand  her  num'rous  wants  supplies 
And  next  to  Heav'n  on  that  her  hope  relies. 
Yalensia's  Sons  in  gen'rous  Dummer  find 
Meccenas's  bounty  and  great  Tully's  mind. 


The  Mathematicks  too  our  tho'ts  employ. 
Which  nobly  elevate  the  Students  joy: 
The  little  Euclids  round  the  tables  set 
And  at  their  rigid  demonstrations  sweat. 
Till  Truth  appears  in  a  resistless  light. 


Divine  Philosophy,  a  Goddess  fair 
Bespeaks  our  thoughts,  our  most  indulgent  care. 


302  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1733 

A  tribe  of  heav'nly  minds  attend  her  shrine : 
With  well  distinguish 'd  wreaths  do  Newton  shine 
And  Berkeley,  both  immortal,  both  divine. 


Yalensia  owes  the  pow'r  of  knowing  more 
Than  all  her  Sisters  on  the  western  shore, 
To  Berkeley's  lib'ral  hand  that  gave  a  Prize 
(To  animate  her  sons  to  glorious  fame.) 


The  rival  Youths  engage  our  warmest  care, 
A  crimson  blush  their  modest  faces  wear. 
Whilst  ancient  greek  and  latin  try  their  skill, 
Inconstant  tides  of  blood  the  vessels  fill. 


May  Berkeley's  genius  on  your  heads  descend, 
And  happy  infl  'ence  to  the  Victors  lend. 


My  infant  genius  sinks  beneath  the  song, 
And  only  whispers  Berkeley's  name  along 
In  broken  sounds :  beneath  the  task  it  dies, 
To  gratitude  a  willing  sacrifice. 


CLXXVIII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

May  11,  1733 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  HonWe.  the  Gen"-  Assembly  of  his  Majti^s.  Colony  of 
Connecticut  conven'd  at  Hartford  May  10,  1733 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  N.  Haven 
humbly  sheweth 


1733]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  303 

That,  whereas  it  hath  pleased  this  Hon^^^-  Assembly,  not 
only  at  first  to  encourage  the  Erection  of  s^^-  College,  but  also 
from  time  to  time  to  contribute  to  its  Support  by  annual 
Supplies  of  publick  moneys;  and  also  to  give  Assurance  of 
your  Generous  Intentions  for  y«  Perpetuating  the  s^^-  College, 
by  the  provision  you  have  made  for  its  future  Supplies  in  y^ 
Donation  of  publick  Lands  for  y*-  purpose.  For  which  We 
beg  leave  to  return  our  hearty  thanks;  and  Acknowledge  y*- 
under  God,  our  Dependance  is  very  much  on  this  Hon^^®.  As- 
sembly for  the  further  necessary  Supplies  thereof.  We 
would  humbly  remind  you  that  in  October  1730  It  pleased  this 
Court  to  grant  an  addition  of  one  hundred  pounds  p''-  Annum 
to  the  hundred  pounds  formerly  granted  for  the  Support  of 
Said  College;  to  continue  for  the  Space  of  two  Years  which 
expired  in  October  last.  Whereupon  Yo^-  Memorialists  become 
humble  Petitioners  for  the  Renewal  of  your  Favour  by  a  like 
Grant  to  continue  during  the  Courts  Pleasure.  The  Necessity 
of  the  College  obliging  us  earnestly  to  entreat,  and  your 
Steady  Favour  in  all  time  past  encouraging  us  to  hope  for 
the  Continuance  thereof  as  above  requested.  And  yo""-  Memo- 
rialists shall  as  in  Duty  bound  ever  pray  &c. 

E :  Williams 

ElIPHALET  i^DAMS 

Sam^^-  Whitman 
Tared  Eliot 
Ebenezer  Williams 
g^jyjLL.  Woodbridge 
Jonathan  Marsh 
Sam^^-  Cooke. 
Samuel  Whittelsey 
Hartford,  May  11,  1733 

In  y^  Lower  House,  the  question  was  put  AYhether  any  thing 
should  be  Granted  on  this  memorial,  resolved  in  j^  Negative 
Test,  Jn^-  Russell  Clerk 

In  the  Upp^-  House.  Read  and  Concurr*^-  with 
Test  Hez  :  Wyllys  Secretly- 


Then  present  the  Rev^  Messieurs  ■ 


304  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1733 

CLXXIX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  12,  1733 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  soon  after  this  date] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven  Sepf  12, 1733. 

Elisha  Williams  Moderator, 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman, 
Jared  Eliot, 
Ebenezer  Williams, 
Samuel  Woodbridge, 
Jonathan  Marsh, 
Samuel  Cook, 
I  Samuel  Whittelsey. 

Agreed  That  every  Barrel  of  Beer  delivered  to  the  Butler  @ 
8/  pi"  Barrel  shall  be  made  of  Half  a  Bushell  of  good  Barley 
Malt  after  it  is  ground  or  a  Bushell  of  good  Oat  Malt  after  it 
is  ground  or  a  peck  of  good  Barley  Malt  after  it  is  ground  and 
a  Quart  of  good  Molosses  or  half  a  Bushell  of  good  Oat  Malt 
after  it  is  ground  &  a  quart  of  good  Molosses  &  be  mash't  and 
well  brewed  &  hopped. 

Agreed  That  the  Steward  of  this  College  shall  for  the  Year 
ensuing  pay  to  the  Butler  of  the  same  fourty  shillings  p^ 
Quarter  as  a  Reward  for  his  Service  in  dealing  out  the 
Commons  of  Bread  and  Bear  to  the  Schollars. 
Agreed  That  the  Butler  of  this  College  shall  for  the  Year 
ensuing  pay  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  College  fourty  Shillings 
p^  Quarter  on  the  Account  of  y®  Lost  Commons  of  Bread  & 
Beer  which  are  by  this  Act  allowed  to  the  said  Butler. 
Whereas  a  Complaint  hath  been  offered  at  this  Board  by  the 
Schollars  of  this  House  of  the  Insufficiency  and  Faultiness  of 
their  Commons  and  Sizings  &  the  Steward  having  desired  that 
a  Committee  might  be  appointed  to  hear  the  same,  wee  there- 


1733]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  305 

fore  do  hereby  impower  Messieurs  Elisha  Williams,  Jared 
Eliot,  Ebenezer  Williams,  Jonathan  Marsh,  Samuel  Cook  and 
Samuel  Whittelsey  the  next  Tuesday  after  the  next  publick 
Thanksgiving  to  meet  at  the  College  Library  and  hear  what 
the  said  Schollars  have  to  offer  for  the  justifying  of  their  said 
Complait  and  what  the  Steward  may  offer  in  his  own  Vindica- 
tion, to  order  and  determine  what  the  Steward  shall  do  in  the 
Matters  complained  of  and  to  put  in  another  Steward  in  Case 
The  present  Steward  will  not  comply  with  their  Orders  & 
Determinations.  The  Trustees  now  present  pray  y^  Rev*^ 
M'"  Samuel  Andrew  that  he  would  please  to  be  one  of  the 
Committee  in  the  Business  last  Voted  and  desire  the  Rev<^ 
M''  Cook  to  acquaint  him  with  it  at  his  Return. 
Voted  That  the  Rev*^  Rector,  the  Tutors,  Treasurer,  Library 
keeper,  Schollar  of  the  House  &  Monitor  be  allowed  the  same 
Sallary  each  of  them  as  They  were  the  last  Year  if  there  be 
a  sufficiency  in  y«  Treasury. 

Voted  That  if  there  be  not  a  Sufficiency  in  the  College  Treas- 
ury to  pay  the  respective  Sallaries  granted  then  the  Defalca- 
tion to  be  in  Proportion  to  the  respective  Sallaries. 
Whereas  the  Rev'i  Dean  Berkeley  hath  further  expressed  his 
great  Generosity  and  Goodness  to  this  College  in  procuring 
and  sending  a  very  valuable  Collection  of  Books  contained  in 
Eight  Boxes,  Agreed  That  the  Humble  Service  and  sincerest 
Thanks  of  this  Board  be  returned  to  him  in  a  Letter  by  y« 
Rev*^  Rector. 

Voted  That  a  Memorial  then  drawn  be  carried  to  the  General 
Assembly  at  their  Meeting  in  October  next. 
Voted  That  the  Rev^  M^  Samuel  Whitman,  Samuel  Wood- 
bridge  and  Samuel  Cooke  present  the  Memorial  agreed  on  to 
ye  Gen^i  Assembly  in  Oct^^  next. 

Agreed  That  the  Rev*^  Rector  at  the  Cost  of  this  College  order 
Suitable  Boxes  to  be  made  for  the  Reception  of  the  Rev*^  Dean 
Berkeley's  Collection  of  Books  lately  sent  to  the  said  College. 
Voted  That  the  Persons  chosen  to  carry  their  Memorial  to  the 
Assembly  in  October  do  answer  the  Letter  of  the  Rev"^  M"" 
Buckingham. 


306  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1733 


CLXXX.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Con- 
necticut General  Assembly 

September  12,  1733 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Hon^^e.  the  Geni-  Assembly  of  his  Maj^i^^.  Colony  of 
Connecticutt  to  be  convened  at  New-Haven  October  11,  1733 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  New- 
Haven  humbly  Sheweth 

That  Whereas  it  hath  pleased  this  Hon^i^.  Assembly  not 
only  at  first  to  encourage  the  Erection  of  the  s^-  College ;  but 
also  from  time  to  time  to  Contribute  to  its  Support  by  Annual 
Supplies  of  publick  moneys,  and  also  to  give  Assurance  of 
your  generous  Intentions  for  the  perpetuating  the  s<i-  College 
by  the  Provision  you  have  made  for  its  future  Supplies  in  the 
Donation  of  publick  Lands  for  that  Purpose,  for  which  We 
renew  our  hearty  thanks,  &  Acknowledge  our  Dependance  is 
very  much  on  this  Hon^^^-  Assembly  for  the  further  Supplies 
thereof.  We  would  humbly  remind  you,  that  in  October  1730 
this  Court  granted  an  Addition  of  one  hundred  pounds  per 
annum  to  the  hundred  pounds  formerly  granted  to  continue 
for  the  space  of  two  Years  which  expired  in  October  last. 
Upon  which  We  were  obliged  to  move  the  Assembly  in  May 
last  for  the  repetition  of  that  your  favour,  which  not  having 
been  then  considered,  and  the  Necessities  of  the  College  being 
extreamly  urgent,  We  must  Renew  our  earnest  Suit  to  you 
at  this  time,  and  entreat  you  would  now  Consider  the  Case 
and  favour  the  College  with  the  s*^-  Additional  Grant  of  one 
hundred  pounds  for  this  year  now  expiring  and  for  Such 
Term  in  future  as  in  your  Wisdom  and  Goodness  you  shall 
think  meet. 


1734]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  307 

And  your  Memorialists  shall  as  in  Duty  bound  ever  pray  &c. 

Elisha  Williams 
Samuel  Andrew 
Eliphalet  Adams 
Sam^^-  Whitman 
Jared  Eliot 
Ebenezer  Williams 
Sam^l-  Woodbridge 
Jonathan  Marsh 
Sam^-^-  Cooke 
Samuel  Whittelsey. 
New-Haven  Sept^- 12, 1733 

On  ye  above  Memorial  Granted  one  hundred  pounds  as 
prayed  for,  and  with  j^  addition  of  One  hundred  pounds,  to 
be  paid  at  y«  End  of  y^  Ensueing  Year. 

past  in  j^  Lower  House 

Test.  Jno-  Russell  Clerk 

Concurr*!-  with  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secret^'y- 


CLXXXI.    Letter  of  Isaac  Watts 

August  16,  1734 

[From  the  University  Archives] 

The  author  was  the  well-known  nonconformist  minis- 
ter and  hymnologist,  of  London. 

Rev<3-  Sir 

Having  been  informed  that  you  want  a  pair  of  Globes  for 
ye  use  of  your  College,  I  was  lately  in  Company  with  a  friend 
of  mine  who  offerd  to  make  such  a  present  so  far  as  6  pound 
would  go.  I  accepted  y^  proposall  &  engaged  M^-  Senex  to  fit 
up  a  pair  quite  new,  with  all  necessary  appendices,  of  17 
inches  meter,  &  to  paint  'em  according  to  my  direction,  &  have 


308  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1734 

transmitted  them  to  you  by  M^-  Levingston.    I  hope  they  will 

be  accepted  &  usefull With  hearty  desires  of  the 

success  of  your  College  in  training  up  men,  Christians  & 
ministers  for  y*  Service  of  y*  following  Age.  I  commend  my 
Self  to  your  Prayers  &  am 

Sir 

Your  obed*-  humble  Serv*-  &  Bro^- 

I  Watts. 
Augt-  16,  1734. 

To  the  ReV^-  M^-  Elisha  Williams 
Rector  of  Yale  College 
Newhaven. 


CLXXXII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  11,  1734 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  soon  after  this  date] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  New  Haven 

Sept^  11 1734. 

Samuel  Andrew  Moderator, 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
Elisha  Williams  Rector, 

Then  present  the  Rev<i  Messrs    j    Jared  Eliot, 

Ebenezer  Williams 
Samuel  Woodbridge 
Samuel  Cooke 
L    Samuel  Whittelsey. 

It  was  put  to  Vote  whether  they  continue  M^"  Daniel  Edwards 

in  the  Office  of  a  Steward  of  Yale  College  (which  Office  he  has 

been  in  for  some  Years  past)   any  longer.     Passed  in  the 

Negative. 

Voted  By  the  Trustees,  That  the  Electors  appointed  in  the 


1734]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  309 

Deed  of  the  Rev^  Dean  Berkeley  Dated  y«  17  Day  of  August  in 
the  Seventh  Year  of  King  George  the  Second  in  the  Year  of 
our  Lord  1733,  do  in  their  Elections  of  Persons  named  therein 
Schollars  of  the  House  and  the  Trustees  do  in  their  Disposals 
of  the  Profits  of  the  Farm  therein  given  to  the  Persons  elected 
conform  to  the  Directions  given  in  said  Deed. 
Voted  That  no  Student  Graduate  nor  Undergraduate  in  Yale 
College  shall  play  at  Chards  and  if  any  Person  brings  in  a 
Pack  of  Chards  he  shall  pay  a  Fine  not  exceeding  five  shillings 
and  if  any  play  at  Chards  they  shall  pay  a  Fine  not  exceeding 
Three  Shillings  and  that  no  other  Plays  depending  on  a  Lot 
forbidden  by  j^  Rector  shall  be  practised  without  incurring 
y«  like  Penalty  and  if  the  Offences  above  be  repeated  besides 
the  Penalty  above  They  shall  be  abridg'd  such  College  Privi- 
ledges  or  be  ordered  such  College  Exercises  for  a  Time  as  y® 
Rev<i  Rector  and  Tutors  shall  think  fit.  The  Bev^  M^"  Samuel 
Cooke  and  M^  Samuel  Whittelsey  were  appointed  a  Committee 
to  carry  their  Address  to  the  General  Assembly  in  their 
Session  at  New  Haven  in  October  next  praying  for  the  Con- 
tinuance of  their  former  Bounty  needful  for  the  Support  of 
Yale  College. 

Ml"  Samuel  Whittelsey  Jun^  was  chosen  Tutor  of  Yale  College 
in  the  Place  of  M^  William  Adams  who  then  resigned  his  Place 
to  the  Trustees. 

Mj"  Samuel  Cooke  was  chosen  Steward  of  Yale  College. 
S^  Hart  was  chosen  Butler  of  Yale  College. 
Voted  By  the  Trustees  that  an  Address  or  Memorial  to  the 
Hon^i^  General  Assembly  drawn  and  Signed  by  them  be  laid 
before  the  said  Assembly  when  convened  at  New  Haven  in 
Octob^  next  by  their  Committee  appointed  for  that  Purpose 
Viz*  the  Rev<i  M^  Sami^  Cooke  &  M^  Sam"  Whittelsey. 
Voted  That  the  Rev^^  M^  Samuel  Whitman  and  M^  Samuel 
Woodbridge  do  address  the  General  Assembly  in  their  Session 
at  Hartford  in  May  next  provided  the  Committee  appointed  to 
address  the  Assembly  in  October  next  obtain  not  the  En- 
couragement for  the  Support  of  the  College  by  them  prayed 
for. 


310  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1734 


CLXXXIII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

September  11,  1734 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Honbie.  the  Gen^-  Assembly  of  this  Colony  to  Con- 
vene at  New  Haven  on  the  Second  Thursday  of  October  next. 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale-College  in  New- 
Haven  Humbly  Sheweth- — 

That  the  Support  of  the  s<^-  College  is  necessarily  dependant 
upon  those  Supphes  which  this  Hon^i^.  Assembly  hath  been 
pleased  to  Grant  from  time  to  time ;  for  w^hich  We  renew  our 
hearty  thanks.  And  Whereas  in  October  last  this  Assembly 
was  pleased  to  give  for  the  s<^-  purpose  (as  in  time  past  they 
had  done)  in  Addition  to  the  Standing  grant  of  one  hundred 
pounds  per  Annum ;  to  Say  one  hundred  pounds  for  the  year 
then  past  &  one  hundred  pounds  for  the  Year  then  next  en- 
suing, which  is  now  expired.  We  therefore  do  now  (as  the 
Necessities  of  the  College  oblige  us)  earnestly  entreat  this 
Hon^i^-  Assembly  to  renew  the  s<^-  Additional  Grant  of  one 
hundred  pounds  for  the  Support  of  the  s*^-  College,  for  such 
Continuance  as  your  Honours  shall  think  meet;  and  Your 
Memorialists  Shall  as  in  Duty  bound  ever  pray  &c. 

Samuel  Andrew 
Eliphalet  Adams 
Samuel  Whitman 
Jared  Eliot 
Eben^-  Williams 
Sam^^-  Woodbridge 
Samuel  Cooke 
Samuel  Whittelsey 

Yale  College,  New-Haven,  Sep^-  11*^-  1734 


1734]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  311 

In  the  lower  House.  Upon  the  above  Memoriall  granted  y® 
Sum  of  One  Hundred  pounds,  to  be  drawn  from  y^  Publick 
Treasury,  for  y^  Space  of  one  year  and  y*-  a  bill  be  drawn  in 
form. 

Test.  John  Bulkley  Clerk 

Concurr*^-  with  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrefy- 


CLXXXIV.    Request  of  the  Lower  House  of  the 

Connecticut  General  Assembly  for  an  Account  of 

the  Income  and  Expenses  of  the  College, 

WITH  THE  Reply  of  the  Trustees 

October  15-16,  1734 

[From  the  original  Journal  of  the  Lower  House,  in  the 
Secretary  of  State's  office,  and  the  Reply  in  the  State 
Library] 

A  bill  past  this  [i.e.,  the  Lower]  house  appointing  M^-  Eben^"- 
West  and  Cap*-  William  Wadsworth  a  Com^^^-  to  wait  upon 
the  Rev<i-  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  and  desire  of  them  an 
ace*-  of  ye  State,  Circumstances  and  disbursm^^-  of  s*^-  Colledge 
to  be  laid  before  this  house. 

An  Estimate  of  y^  Common  annuall  Incomes 

To  Study  Rent £  70-00-0 

To  Tuition  money 195-00-0 

To  Granted  out  of  y«  Colony  Treasury  ....  100-00-0 

To  paid  by  the  Butler  for  his  privilege  ....  8-00-0 


£373-00-0 


And  Disbursements  of  Yale  College  N.  Haven 

By  a  Salary  to  the  Rector £300-00-0 

By  Salaries  to  2  Tutors  at  £65  each      ....       130-00-0 
By  paid  to  the  Library  Keeper 5-00-0 


312                     DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1735 

By  paid  to  the  College  Treasurer  for  his  Service  8-00-0 

By  paid  to  the  Schollar  of  the  House    ....  3-00-0 

By  paid  to  the  Monitor 3-00-0 

By  y^  Charge  of  y®  Trustees  meeting  annually    .  10-00-0 
By  paid  for  Repairs  (besides  what  is  chargeable 

on  the  Schollars),  and  Incidentall  charges  .      .  25-00-0 


£484-00-0 
373-00-0 

111-00-0 


The  above  Estimate  impartially  made  is  humbly  presented 
to  the  Honourable  the  house  of  Representatives  on  their 
Direction 

By  Samuel  Cooke  1  Com*^®-  of  the 

Samuel  Whittelsey  J      Trustees 

N.  Haven  October  16,  1734 


CLXXXV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  10,  1735 

[From  a  copy  of  the  original  minutes  in  the  University 
Archives,  made  soon  after  this  date] 

Att  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
at  New  Haven  September  10,  1735. 

Samuel  Andrew  Modet% 
Eliphalet  Adams, 
Samuel  Whitman  Scribe, 
Elisha  Williams  Rector, 
Then  present  the  Rev^  Mess^^  -j  Jared  Eliot, 

Ebenezer  Williams, 
Samuel  Woodbridge, 
Jonathan  Marsh, 
I  Samuel  Cooke. 


1735]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  313 

The  Rev<^  M^  Samuel  Andrew  was  chosen  Moderator  &  M'" 
Sam^^  Whitman  Scribe. 

At  the  same  Meeting  a  Second  Degree  was  granted  to  S'" 
Roberts  by  the  Trustees  in  the  Evening  after  the  Commence- 
ment he  having  desired  it  before  but  being  forgotten  before 
and  when  the  Degrees  were  given  publickly  in  the  Meeting 
House  his  Absence  occasioning  his  Desire  of  a  Degree  tho' 
absent  his  being  providentially  hindered  by  Business. 

The  Trustees  made  Choice  of  S'"  Wolcott  to  be  a  Tutor  of  Yale 
College. 

Voted  By  the  Trustees  that  the  Rev^  M'"  Elisha  Williams 
Rector  of  Yale  College  have  three  Hundred  Pounds  allowed 
him  for  his  Service  in  the  College  for  the  last  Year.  Sixty  five 
Pounds  allowed  to  one  of  the  Tutors  for  his  Sallary  and  five 
Pounds  for  keeping  the  Library  last  Year,  and  to  y®  other 
Tutor  Sixty  Five  Pounds  for  his  Sallary. 

The  Account  of  M^  Tallmadge  for  Work  done  in  repairing  the 
last  Year  amounting  to  £38-11-8  was  allowed. 

Monitor's  Sallary  £3-0-0.  Schollar's  of  the  House  £3-0-0. 
Treasurer's  £8-0-0. 

Allowed  to  M'"  William  Adams  formerly  Tutor  of  Yale  College 
the  Sum  of  Ten  Pounds. 

Allowed  to  Mr  Talmadge  and  the  other  that  viewed  the  College 
in  Order  to  a  Computation  of  what  was  needful  to  repair  it 
the  Sum  of  Eight  shillings. 

The  Rev<i  M^"  Joseph  Noyes  was  chosen  a  Trustee  of  Yale 
College. 

The  Rev<i  M^  Samuel  Cooke,  M^-  Jared  Eliot  &  M^  Joseph 
Noyes  were  chosen  a  Committee  to  present  the  Memorial  of 
the  Trustees  to  the  Assembly  to  be  holden  at  New  Haven  on 
OctoV  next. 

The  Rev*^  Rector  and  M^  Samuel  Whittelsey  were  chosen  a 
Committee  to  revise  the  Laws  and  draw  up  such  as  they  may 
think  proper  for  the  good  Government  of  the  College  to  whom 
the  Committee  above  were  joyned. 


314  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1735 

Voted  By  the  Trustees  That  the  Rev<i  Rector,  M^-  Samuel 
"\^Tiittelsey  and  M''  Joseph  Noyes,  be  a  Committee  to  examine 
and  pass  the  Accounts  of  the  Year  passed,  not  past  by  this 
Body  at  y^  Present  Meeting. 

Voted  By  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College,  That  the  Committee 
appointed  to  present  the  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the 
Assembly  be  impowered  to  advise  with  some  of  the  Principal 
Gentlemen  in  the  Assembly  about  some  proper  Measures  for 
the  Suppressing  of  Disorders  on  the  Commencement  both  at 
the  Meeting  House  and  at  College  in  the  Evening  after  it. 


CLXXXVI.    Memoeial  of  the  Trustees  to  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

September  10,  1735 
with  the  action  thereon 

[Prom  the  original  Memorial,  in  the  State  Library;  and 
the  Journals  of  the  two  Houses,  in  the  Secretary  of 
State's  office] 

To  the  Hon^i^-  the  Gen^-  Assembly  of  Connecticutt  to  con- 
vene at  New-Haven  on  the  9*^-  day  of  October  Anno  Dom.  1735 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale-College  in  New- 
Haven  humbly  Sheweth, 

That  this  Assembly  on  our  Application  in  October  last  was 
pleased  to  provide  for  the  Support  of  the  s*^-  College  by 
Adding  to  the  Standing  Grant,  one  hundred  pounds  for  the 
year  then  past  and  one  hundred  pounds  for  the  Year  then  next 
coming;  which  Term  having  now  expired,  and  y^  Necessities  of 
y®  College  being  Still  the  Same;  We  renew  our  humble  Ad- 
dress to  this  Hon^i^-  Assembly;  that  you  would  be  pleased  to 
renew  a  Grant  of  y^  s<^-  Additional  hundred  pounds  to  the  s*^- 
College  for  Such  Continuance  as  to  your  Hon^^-  may  seem  fit, 
in  whose  Wisdom  &  Goodness  we  confide:  concluding  that 
your  Hon^^-  will  think  it  fit,  that  the  s<^-  Nursery  of  Learning 


1735]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  315 

erected  at  first  and  ever  since  patronized  by  this  Assembly 
should  be  stil  subsisted;  for  which  it  appears  necessary  that 
it  have  the  usuall  Supplies. 

Furthermore,  We  look  on  our  Selves  obliged  in  Faithfulness 
to  the  Trust  reposed  in  us  by  this  Assembly,  to  Signify  to  yo^- 
Hon"-,  that  there  appears  a  present  Necessity  of  such  Ex- 
pences  for  the  Repairs  of  the  College  as  We  are  utterly  unable 
to  defray.  Whereupon  we  humbly  move,  that  your  Hon"- 
will  be  pleased  to  Satisfie  your  Selves  of  the  State  of  the  s*^- 
House  by  a  Com*^^-  or  otherwise  as  you  shall  think  fit,  and 
thereupon  in  your  great  Goodness  provide  for  the  needfull 
Repairs.  And  yo^-  Memorialists  shall  as  in  Duty  bound  ever 
pray  &c. 

Samuel  Andrew 
Eliphalet  Adams 
Sam^^-  AVhitman 
Elisha  Williams 
Jared  Eliot 
Ebenezer  Williams 
Sam^^^-  Woodbridge 
Samuel  Cooke 
Jonathan  Marsh 
Joseph  Notes 

Yale-College  in  New-Haven 
Sept^-  10,  1735. 


From  the  records  of  the  Lower  House. 

On  y^  memorial  of  y^  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  granted  one 
hundred  pounds  in  addition  to  y^  former  Grant,  for  3  years 
next  coming,  and  Cap*-  John  Marsh,  Cap*-  Is.  Dickerman, 
Cap*-  Danii-  Coit,  M^--  Jos.  Blacklach  &  Cap*-  Thom.  Dyer  are 
appointed  a  Com**^-  to  Jojm  such  Gentlemen  as  j^  upp^-  House 
shall  appoint  to  view  y^  State  of  y^  Colledge  as  to  w*-  repairs 
may  be  necessary  &  make  report. 


316  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1735 

From  the  records  of  the  Upper  House. 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge  sent  up, 
granted  thereupon  100^  p^-  Annum  for  3  years  &  that  Bill  &c. 
And  also  a  Com*®^-  to  Joyn  such  as  might  be  appointed  att 
this  Board  to  View  the  State  of  s*^-  Colledge  as  to  what  repairs 
may  be  Necessary  &  make  Report  to  this  Assembly,  Concurr*^- 
with  and  Edmund  Lewiss  Esq^-  is  appointed  to  Joyn  the  Gen*- 
of  the  lower  House  to  View  &c. 


From  the  records  of  the  Lower  House. 

The  report  of  y^  Com*^-  sent  to  View  Yale  Colledge,  Ap- 
proved, in  this  House,  and  Cap*-  Isaac  Dickerman  &  M^-  John 
Punderson  are  appointed  a  Com**®-  to  oversee  y®  work  & 
provide  materials  &  hire  workmen,  &  also  y®  s*^-  Com**®,  are 
ordered  to  Draw  out  of  y®  Colony  Treas^y  50  i^.  to  Materials 
and  Lay  their  accounts  before  y®  assembly  in  May  next. 


From  the  records  of  the  Upper  House. 

A  Bill  from  the  lower  House  Approving  Report  of  y* 
Com*®®-  Appointed  to  View  the  Circumstances  of  Yale  College 
&c  and  Appointing  a  Com*®®-  to  repair  the  Same  &c.  Concurr^- 
with  Amendment. 


1736]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  317 


CLXXXVII.    John  Punderson's  Account,  Eendered 

TO  THE  Connecticut  General  Assembly,  for 

College  Repairs 

May  20,  1736 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

An  account  of  some  charges  laid  out  in  Repairing  the 
Colage  house  in  Newhauen  and  the  fence 


lb      8     d 

By  boards  for  the  fence 

10-  0-0 

by  cedar  posts  for  the  fence 

04-  0-0 

by  oyl  and  ocar  to  couler  it 

07-  0-0 

by  makeing  the  fence  and  nales 

12-  0-0 

by  oyl  to  couler  the  house 

15-  0-0 

by  lamb  black  and  white  ocar 

04-  0-0 

by  white  lead 

13-  0-0 

by  Makeing  and  mending  Doors  Nales  &  boards 

08-  0-0 

73-10-0 

Errours  Excepted 

John  Punderson 

Newhauen 

20tii-  May  1736 

Lower  House — Read  and  ordered  that  Cap*-  Isaac  Dicker- 
man  Draw  out  of  y^  Publick  Treasury  50^^  for  prosecuting  y^ 
Repairs  of  y^  Colledg  &  that  a  Bill  &c 

Test  J.  BuLKLEY  Clerk 

In  the  Upper  House 
Concurred  ^yiih 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secret^ 


Present  were  the  Uev^^  M.^^ 


318  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1736 

CLXXXVIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 
September  8-9,  1736 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale-College  at  y^  Library  in 
New-Haven  Sep^  8,  1736. 

Samuel  Andrew  chosen  Moder*^ 
Elisha  Williams  Rector 
Jared  Eliot 
Samuel  Woodbridge 
Jonathan  Marsh 
Samuel  Cooke  chosen  Scribe 
Samuel  Whittelsey 
Joseph  Noyes 

M'"  Hart,  who  was  chosen  Butler  the  last  year,  having  Sig- 
nified to  y^  Rector  his  Resignation  of  that  Post :  The  Trustees 
by  Vote  make  Choice  of  Sir  Williams  the  Rector's  Second  Son 
to  be  the  Butler  in  his  stead. 

The  Meeting  adjourned  till  eight  a  Clock  to  morrow-Morning 
Sep^  9.  A.M.  The  Trustees  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

Voted,  that  the  Salary  of  the  Rector  for  the  year  now  expiring 
be  £300:-:- 

Voted,  that  the  Salary  of  M^  Whittelsey  the  Sen^  Tutor  for 
the  same  Year  be  £:65:-:-,  &  that  he  be  allowed  also  five 
pounds  for  his  care  of  the  Library. 

Voted  also,  that  the  S<^  M^"  Whittelsey  be  allowed  £  :20-  more 
for  his  Extraordinary  Service  occasioned  by  y^  Providential 
absence  of  y®  other  Tutor. 


Voted,  that  M^  Tutor  Wolcott  be  allowed  £:45-  for  his  good 
Service  in  the  College,  a  part  of  this  Year,  being  taken  off 
by  his  Sickness  a  Considerable  part. 


1736] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


319 


Several  Accounts   against  the   College  here   exhibited  and 
allowed  were 

of  Cap*  Talmadge  inclusive  of  Jones's  £:22:17:8 
For  writing  our  Records  43  pages  at  2/  4 :  6:0 
of  Mr  Rector  for  p^  to  Sundries       .      .   12 :    2 :  6 

of  William  Chatterdon 2:6:0 

of  the  Steward 21 :  15 :  3 

To  Do  allowed  for  care  &  trouble  in      | 
providing  for  y^  Dinner  last  year      I    3 :    0:0 
besides   Cost   charged   in   his   Bill      J 
To  which  is  added  to  y«  Mon^  &  Schollar  of  the 
House  as  hath  been  before  Stated  3^^  each 
To  which  Add  the  Salaries  above  to  the  Rector 

&  Tutors  in  the  whole 

For  the  Trustees  Charges  as  allowed  1 
hereinafter j 


6:0:0 


435:0:0 


4:0:0 


Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  this  Board  be  returned  by  the  Rev<^ 
Rector  to  Thomas  Fitch  Esq^  and  M^  Joseph  Fowler  for  their 
kind  &  good  Office  in  moving  to  &  obtaining  of  the  General 
Assembly  a  generous  Grant  of  Lands  in  the  New  Townships 
for  this  College. 

Voted,  that  a  Memorial  be  presented  on  behalf  of  the  Trustees 
to  y^  Gen^  Assembly  of  this  Colony  in  October  next,  humbly 
moving  to  the  Assembly,  that  the  Lands  in  the  New  Townships 
granted  to  the  College  may  be  laid  out  accordingly. 

Voted,  that  Thomas  Fitch  Esq''  &  M^  Joseph  Fowler  be  re- 
quested to  draw  up  &  forward  the  S*^  Memorial. 

Voted,  that  the  Bev^  the  Rector  and  M^  Noyes  be  desired  on 
behalf  of  the  Trustees  to  afford  their  Assistance  in  forward- 
ing y®  s^  Memorial,  if  need  be. 


Voted,  that  in  case  of  the  Providential  absence  of  a  Tutor  for 
any  time  before  the  next  Commencement,  from  the  Business 
of  the  College :  the  Rector  &  Resident  Tutor  provide  for  the 
Supply  of  such  occasional  Vacancy  Some  meet  Person,  who 
Shall  be  recompensed  for  such  Service. 


320 


DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY 


[1736 


Voted,  that  for  the  future  every  one  that  receiveth  a  first 
Degree  in  this  College  shall  pay  to  the  Steward  thirty  Shil- 
lings for  the  Charge  of  the  publick  entertainment  at  Com- 
mencement for  which  the  s<^  Steward  shall  be  Accountable  to 
our  Treasurer. 

Voted,  that  for  the  future  every  one  that  receiveth  a  Degree 
either  first  or  Second  shall  pay  to  the  Rector  for  his  Degree 
thirty  Shillings 


Voted,  that  the  Rev<^  the  Rector  examin  and  pass  the  Stewards 
Bill  for  the  Charge  of  the  publick  entertainment  of  this 
Commencement. 

Voted,  that  the  Trustees  meet  in  this  place  at  five  a  Clock 
afternoon  on  the  Day  immediately  preceeding  the  next  Com- 
mencement. 

Allowed  for  Charges  in  attending  on  this  present  Occasion 
viz* 

Samuel  Andrew  . 

Jared  Eliot     . 

Samuel  Woodbridge 

Jonathan  Marsh  . 

Samuel  Cooke 

Samuel  Whittelsey  . 

4:    9:0 

By  the  Acc*s  of  the  Debts  and  Credits  of  the  College  brought 
down  to  SepJ"-  1735,  it  appears  that  the  Ballance  in  Favour  of 
the  College  is £ :  14 :  10 :  5 


To  the  Revd  M^s 


0: 

8 

0 

0: 

14 

0 

1: 

4 

0 

1: 

4 

0 

0: 

11. 

0 

0: 

8: 

0 

but  besides  there  appears  to  be  in  the  Treas- 
urers hands  beyond  what  can  at  present  be 
accounted  for 


59:15:3 


From  which  Sum 

must  be  deducted  for  due  to  y®  Treasurer  from 

1727  to  1735  at  8^^  pr  Annum 


£:74 
64 


5:8 
0:0 


10:    5:8 


Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 


1736]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  321 


CLXXXIX.    Account  of  Isaac  Dickerman  and  John 

PUNDERSON    FOR    COLLEGE    REPAIRS,    PRESENTED    TO 

THE  Connecticut  General  Assembly 

October  18,  1736 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  accounts,  in  the  State  Library;  and 
the  printed  Colonial  Records,  vol.  8,  p.  QQ,  Hartford, 
1874] 

To  the  Honourable  Generall  assembly  now  sitting  in  New- 
hauen  according  to  your  desire  we  the  subscribers  have  done 
somthing  to  repare  the  Collage  house  in  Newhauen  and  the 
fence  belonging  to  it  and  hear  foloweth  an  account  of  what 
mony  we  haue  laid  out 

lb.        s.        d 

by  73  red  cedar  posts  1^  for  each  3^^-13^-0*^  2  gate 

posts  9s 
by  makeing  the  fence  and  colouring  of  it 
by  8  galons  of  oyle  to  colour  the  fence 
by  boards  for  the  fence  2150  foot  whitewood 

boards 
by  nales  for  the  fence  and  the  house  1000  4^  nales 
by  800  6d  nales  2^-Z^  p^-  100  18^  by  50  Foot  cla- 

bords  5 
by  2000  and  800  of  10^  nales  34«  p^  1000 
by  4000  and  200  of  8<i  nales  I^^-IO-O  p^  1000 
by  a  1000  of  short  shingles  11^-12^-0^ 
by  1300  of  long  shingles  for  the  kiching  8^  pr  100 
by  ^2  ^^  barill  of  lamb  black  to  colour  the  house 
by  90^^  of  white  occar  5*^  p''  lb : 
by  2061b  of  white  lead  at  2^-8^  p^  lb 
by  37^^  of  red  occar  at  3*^  p^  lb 
by  400  of  white  wood  boards  9^  p'"  100 
by  24^^  of  sheet  lead  to  prevent  rain  coming  in  by 

the  chimney  13<i  pMb  1     06     0 


4 

2 

0 

10 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

10 

0 

0 

0 

14 

0 

1 

03 

0 

4 

15 

2 

6 

6 

0 

1 

12 

0 

5 

4 

0 

1 

0 

0 

1 

17 

6 

27 

9 

4 

0 

9 

3 

1 

16 

0 

322 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY 


[1736 


16 
19 


2     10    0 


8      5    0 


by  preparing  the  lead  and  puting  it  on  0 

by  making  staples  hinges  and  latches  for  the  doors      1 
500  of  sawne  clabords  carting  2  load  of  posts  & 

puling  downe  y®  old  fence 
by  30  dayes  work  at  the  Colage  to  repare  the  roof 
and  the   sides,   and   to   shingle   the   kitching 
58-6d  p''  day 
by  19  galons  2  quarts  &  on  pint  of  oyle  for  the 

house  20^  p^  galon 
by  mending  the  walls  within  the  house 
by  twelve  bushels  of  lime  1^  p^  bushell 
by  making  fine  outward  doors  and  hanging  them : 
by  casing  a  mantletre  and  mending  the  por- 
tions all 
by  3  dayes  work  at  the  Colage  house 
by  a  part  of  severall  dayes  to  make  stages  and  to 
mix  the  coulers  &  boyle  the  oyle  for  the  Colage 
house  2      0    0 

by  46  dayes  work  &  on  half  day  to  couler  the 
Colage  by  Captain  Talmage  for  which  he  doth 
demand  10^  p^  day  23      5    0 


19 

12 

6 

00 

14 

0 

00 

12 

0 

7 

10 

6 

1 

0 

0 

Errours  Excepted. 

Isaac  Dickerman 
John  Punderson 

for  which  work  done  we  have  Receiude  50^^-0-0. 


153     18    3 


Comitte 


Newhauen  18^^  October  1736 

At  a  General  Assembly  holden  at  New  Haven on 

the  second  Thursday  of  October,  1736. 

This  Assembly  order.  That  the  sum  of  fifty-three 

pounds  eighteen  shillings  and  three  pence  be  paid  out  of  the 
publick  treasury  unto  Messrs.  Isaac  Dickerman  and  John 
Ponderson,  which,  together  with  fifty  pounds  granted  in  May 
last,  is  in  full  for  repairing  Yale  College 


Presents  the  Rev^ 


1737]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  323 

CXC.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  14-15,  1737 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  New-Haven  in  the 
Library  Sepf-  14-1737 

M^  Ehsha  Williams  Rector 

M'"  Eilaphalet  Adams 

M^"  Jared  Eliot 

M^  Ebenezer  Williams 

M^  Samuel  Woodbridge 

M'"  Samuel  Cooke 

M^  Samuel  Whittelsey 

M^  Joseph  Noyes 

M^  Elisha  Williams  chosen  Moderator. 

M^  Samuel  Cooke  chosen  Scribe. 

Upon  Apphcation  made  to  this  Board  for  that  Favour  by  M^^ 

Davis  a  Senior  Bachelour  Graduated  at  Cambridge 

Voted  that  he  admitted  now  a  Degree  of  Master  of  Arts  in 

this  College. 

The  Rev<^  M""  Samuel  Whitman  appeared  in  y^  Meeting. 

Upon  the  Application  of  the  Rev*i  M^"  John  Graham  Voted  that 

he  be  now  admitted  to  a  Degree  of  Master  of  Arts  in  this 

College. 

On  the  Memorial  of  the  Steward  now  laid  before  this  Board 
for  allowance  by  Addition  to  the  Commons  in  Consideration 
of  the  rise  of  the  price  of  Meat  for  Some  part  of  the  present 
year,  Voted  that  it  appears  just  &  reasonable  that  Some 
Allowance  be  made  him.  Voted  also  that  the  Steward  be 
allowed  Six  pence  per  Week  for  every  Student  in  Commons 
during  the  third  Quarter  of  the  year  last  according  to  y® 
Number  of  Weeks  that  the  Students  were  Severally  in 
Commons  during  the  S'^  Quarter.  Voted  also  y*  the  Steward 
be  allowed  one  penny  per  Week  for  the  Second  Quarter  and 


324  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTOEY  [1737 

two  pence  per  Week  for  the  4*^  Quarter  of  s*^  year  to  be  paid 
by  each  Student  in  proportion  to  the  time  of  their  being  in 
Commons  during  in  s'i  Quarters  respectively,  Voted  also  y* 
the  s<i  allowances  be  paid  now  with  the  last  Quarter's  Bill  to 
be  made  up. 

The  Trustees  by  Vote  make  choice  of  Sir  Lockwood  for  a 
Tutor  of  the  College,  which  he  declared  his  Acceptance  of. 
Adjourned  to  Eight  a  Clock  to-Morrow-Morning. 
15.  A.M.  Met  according  to  adjournment. 

Voted,  that  the  Rev^  M^  Rector  Williams,  M^  Samuel  Cooke 
&  M^  Joseph  Noyes  be  a  Com^^e  to  Settle  the  College  Acc*^ 
with  our  Treasurer  for  the  two  last  years  on  the  Foot  of  the 
Reckoning  now  made  with  Treasurer  bringing  down  the  Acc*^ 
to  Sep^  1735,  and  therein  particularly  to  Consider  that  Article 
of  y^  59^^-15-3  referred  to  in  Said  Adjustment  and  do  therein 
what  may  appear  just  &  equitable,  to  meet  in  the  Business  at 
New  Haven  some  time  before  the  Expiration  of  the  first 
Quarter  of  the  Coming  year 

Voted  that  the  Salary  of  the  Rector  for  the  year  now  expiring 
be  three  hundred  pounds.  Voted,  that  the  Rector  be  allowed 
also  forty  three  pounds  Six  Shillings  &  Eight  pence  for 
extraordinary  Service  the  Same  year  occasioned  necessarily, 
there  having  been  but  one  Tutor  in  the  Term. 
Voted  that  the  Salary  of  the  Tutor  for  the  year  now  expiring 
be  Sixty  five  pounds.  Voted,  that  the  Said  Tutor  be  allowed 
also  twenty  one  pounds  thirteen  Shillings  &  four  pence  for 
Extraordinary  Service  thro  want  of  another  Tutor. 


Voted  that  Cap*  James  Talmadge's  Ace*  for  Work  on  the 
College  for  the  year  now  expiring  amounting  on  a  Ballance 
to  £12-10-1  be  allowed. 


Voted,  that  M^  Timothy  Jones 's  Ace*  for  Work  on  y^  College 
for  the  year  now  expiring  amonting  to  £5-17-5  be  allowed. 
Voted,  that  a  Com*ee  ^e  appointed  to  provide  Tutors  for  the 
College  not  exceeding  two  at  one  time  during  the  intervals 
betwixt  the  meetings  of  the  Trustees,  as  often  as  occasion 


1737]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  325 

shall  be,  Voted,  that  the  Rev*^  M""  Rector  Williams,  M^  Noyes, 
M^*  Whittelsey  M^  Eliot  &  M^  Cooke  be  the  Comtee  f^j.  the  s^ 
Purpose  for  the  year  ensuing 


Voted,  that  no  Tutor  leave  the  Service  of  the  College  in  the 
Intervals  of  the  Commencements  without  leave  from  the 
Trustees  or  their  Com*^^- 


Voted,  that  for  the  future  each  undergraduate  Student  Shall 
pay  for  Tuition  fifteen  Shillings  a  Quarter. 


Voted,  that  for  the  future  one  Tutor  at  least  shall  be  always 
resident  at  College  except  in  the  Vacations. 


It  having  been  observed,  that  on  Commencement  Occasions, 
there  is  a  great  expence  in  Spirituous  distiled  Liquors  in 
College,  which  is  justly  Offensive.  For  the  prevention  hereof 
It  is  Agreed  &  Voted  by  the  Trustees,  that  for  the  future  no 
Candidate  for  a  Degree,  nor  any  undergraduate  Student,  shall 
provide  or  allow  any  Brandy  Rum  or  other  Spirituous  dis- 
tilled Liquors  to  be  drunk  in  his  Chamber  during  the  Week  of 
the  Commencem*-  And  if  any  shall  transgress  against  this 
Act,  the  person  or  persons  so  transgressing  &  being  thereof 
Convicted  shall  be  debarred  the  future  Honours  of  the  College, 
as  the  Trustees  Shall  think  fit. 


Voted,  that  a  Com^ee  \)q  appointed  to  adjust  the  price  of 
Commons,  at  the  Close  of  every  Quarter  of  the  ensuing  year 
according  as  the  ready  money  price  of  provisions  shall  be 
found  in  proportion  to  what  they  were  when  the  Commons 
were  last  Stated.  Voted,  that  the  Rector,  M^  Whittelsey  M^ 
Eliot  &  M""  Noyes  be  our  Com^^  foj.  the  Purpose  afores*^- 

Memorandum,  The  Steward  is   Chargeable  for  the  Dinner 
money  for  36  Commencers  at  30/  .      .      .      ...     £54—  0-0 

Of  which  he  paid  to  the  Trustees 8-  3-6 


Remains  to  be  returned  to  the  College  Treasury  .     £45-16-6 

Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 


326  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1738 

CXCI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  13-14,  1738 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  the  Library 
Sepf  13 ;  1738,  present  were 

M^  Rector  Williams  Chosen  Mod'^ 

Ml"  Samuel  Whitman 

Mr  Jared  Ehot 

M^"  Samuel  Woodbridge 

M^  Jonathan  Marsh 

M^"  Samuel  Whittelsey 

M^  Joseph  Noyes. 

Voted,  that  the  Rector  be  desired  and  Authorized  on  behalf  of 
the  Trustees  to  get  the  College  Farm  in  y^  New  Township  of 
[  ]  as  soon  as  may  be  laid  out  to  the  best  advantage  of  the 
College  at  his  Discretion. 

Voted,  that  M^"  Rector  Wilhams,  M^  Samuel  Whitman  and  M^ 
Samuel  Woodbridge  be  a  Com*«^  to  apply  to  the  Government 
for  Patents  for  the  College  Farms  in  y^  New  Townships  if 
there  appear  Occasion  for  it  before  the  next  Meeting  of  the 
Trustees. 


Adjourned  till  to-morning-morning  8  of  the  Clock 
Met  according  to  Adjournment. 


Voted,  that  M^  Rector  Wilhams,  M^  Cooke,  M'-  EHot,  M^ 
Whitelsey  and  M'"  Noyes  be  a  Com^^  of  the  Trustees  to  pro- 
vide tutors  for  the  College  if  need  be  for  the  year  now 
beginning. 

Voted,  that  M^  Rector  Williams,  M^  Whittelsey,  and  M^  Noyes 
be  a  Comtee  to  provide  a  Butler  for  the  College,  if  need  be,  for 
the  year  now  beginning  on  such  Conditions  as  may  appear 
equitable. 


1738]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  327 

Voted,  that  M^  Rector  Williams  be  allowed  for  22  Days  him- 
self and  horse  in  the  Business  of  the  College-farms  £22 :  and 
for  Expenses  and  payments  to  Sundries  in  the  Said  Affair: 
£53-5-2. 


Voted,  that  the  Salary  of  the  Rector  for  y«  year  past  be  £300 : 


Voted,  that  the  Salary  of  the  Tutors  for  y^  year  past  be  to 
each  £80 : 


Voted,  the  y*  Library-keeper  be  allowed  for  y«  year  past  £5. 


Voted,  that  y^  Monitor  &  Schollar  of  y®  House  be  allowed  each 
for  s<i  year  £3 : 

Voted,  that  Cap*  Talmadge's  Account  exhibited,  be  allowed 
amounting  to  £15-1-9. 


Voted,  that  Timothy  Jones's  account  for  last  year  omitted 
before  amounting  to  £6-1-9 :  and  his  ace*  for  this  year  amount- 
ing to  £10^—1  be  allowed. 


Voted,  that  no  Person  for  the  time  to  come  be  admitted  an 
undergraduate  in  this  College,  untill  his  Father  or  Guardian 
or  some  proper  Person  hath  given  a  Sufficient  Bond  unto  y* 
Steward  of  Said  College  to  pay  the  Quarter  Bills  of  the  s^ 
Schollar  allowed  by  the  Authority  of  the  College  from  time 
to  time  as  long  as  he  shall  continue  a  Member  of  Said  College. 


Voted,  that  if  any  Person  now  an  undergraduate  in  this  Col- 
lege shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  give  or  procure  Sufficient  Se- 
curity to  the  Steward  of  the  s^  College  for  y^  Payment  of  his 
Quarter  Bills  w^^  are  or  shall  be  from  time  to  time  allowed  by 
y«  Authority  of  Said  College,  (when  desired  so  to  do  by  the 
s^  Steward)  the  s<i  Steward  making  Complaint  of  the  Same  to 
the  Rector ;  the  Rector  with  the  Tutors  are  hereby  impowered 
to  Reject  &  Expell  y®  said  undergraduate  so  complained  of. 

Voted,  that  a  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  be  laid  before  the 
General  Assembly  in  October  next  be  presented  by  M""  Noyes 
&  M'-  Eliot  &  Mr  Whittelsey  as  a  Com^^e  of  this  Board. 


328  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1738 

The  Rev^  M^  Anthony  Stoddard  was  by  Vote  chosen  a  Trustee 
in  Room  of  the  Late  very  Bev^  M^  Andrew  deceased. 


The  account  of  the  Steward  now  exhibited  allowed  by  Vote 
excepting  the  articles  of  s*^  Account  which  are  Crost. 
Voted,  that  the  Rector  be  allowed  Sixteen  pounds  for  the 
Defraying  the  needfuU  Charges  in  the  Laying  out  the  remain- 
ing College  farm. 

Voted  that  the  Report  exhibited  by  our  Com^^e  last  year  ap- 
pointed to  Settle  the  College  accounts  with  their  Treasurer, 
now  made  in  Writing  under  the  hands  of  the  s*^  Com*^^  & 
Treasurer  be  accepted. 


Voted,  that  the  Rector,  M''  Eliot,  M''  Whittelsey  &  M^  Noyes 
of  any  three  of  them  be  appointed  to  State  the  price  of  the 
Commons  to  be  charged  in  the  Quarter  Bills  for  the  coming 
year  as  often  as  they  shall  judge  meet. 

The  Preceeding  are  the  Minutes  of  the  Doings  of  y®  Trustees. 

Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 


CXCII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Con- 
necticut General  Assembly 

September  14,  1738 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Hon^ie-  the  General  Court  of  Connecticutt  Colony  to 
Convene  in  New-Haven  on  the  2^  thursday  in  October  1738 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale-College  in  New- 
Haven  humbly  Sheweth 

That  the  Term  of  the  last  Additionall  Grant  of  this  As- 
sembly of  one  hundred  pounds  p^-  Annum  for  the  Support  of 
the  College,  now  expiring,  and  the  Reason  of  the  former 
Grants  from  the  Necessities  of  the  College  being  yet  the  Same : 
Yo^-  Memorialists  humbly  move,  that  this  Honourable  Court, 


1738]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  329 

according  to  their  wonted  Goodness  would  grant  an  hundred 
pounds  p^-  Annum  additionally  as  before  for  Such  continuance 
as  you  Shalt  think  fit  towards  the  Subsistence  of  the  s^- 
College. 

Moreover  Your  Memorialists  would  humbly  Suggest,  that 
"We  have  been  at  necessary  Expenses  in  the  Laying  out  of  the 
Lands  in  the  New-Townships  granted  to  the  College  amount- 
ing to  more  than  forty  pounds  and  one  of  the  Farms  granted 
not  yet  laid  out. 

"Whereupon,  We  pray  this  Assembly's  farther  Favour,  ac- 
cording to  your  Wisdom  &  Goodness  wherein  we  always 
confide. 

And  as  in  Duty  bound  your  Memorialists  shall  ever  pray  &c. 

E :  Williams 
Sam^^-  Whitman 
Jaeed  Eliot 
Sam^^-  Woodbridge 
Jonathan  Maesh 
Samuel  Cooke 
Samuel  Whittelsey 
Jos:  Noyes 
Yale  College  in  N.  Haven  1 
Sep^- 14, 1738.  J 

In  the  Upper  House 

On  this  Memorial  Granted  that  there  shall  be  paid  out 
of  the  publick  Treasury  of  this  Colony  to  the  Treasurer  of 
said  Colledge  for  the  Use  of  the  same  the  Sum  of  One  hundred 
pounds  p^-  Annum  for  the  Term  of  three  years  next  comming, 
in  Addition  to  the  standing  Allowance  made  to  said  Colledge ; 
and  also  that  there  be  p*^-  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  to  the 
said  Trustees  the  Sum  of  fourty  pounds  to  defray  the  Charges 
of  laying  out  the  Colledge  Farms  in  the  western  Townships, 
and  that  a  Bill  &e 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrefy- 

Concur 'd  in  y^  Lower  House 

Test  And^-  Burr  Clerk. 


330  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1738 


CXCIII.    John"  Pijnderson's  Account  for  the 
College  Repairs 

October  16,  1738 
with  the  action  of  the  General  Assembly  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Honourable  generall  assembly  now  setting  in  New- 
hauen  16*^  October  1738  An  account  of  Mony  laid  out  to 
repair  the  inside  of  the  Collage  house  in  Newhauen. 


by  18  hogsheads  of  lime  5^-6*^  P^  hogshead 
by  3000  of  4'i  nales  U^-0^  pr  1000 
800  of  laths  16s-0d  5  bushels  of  hair  5^ 
a  Joyner  12  dayes  7^-6^  P^  day  to  mend 

doors   flowers   stares   &   other  work 
by  500  foot  of  board  8^  Pr  100 
a  mason  15  dayes  8s-9<i  P^  day  to    1 

mend  walls  haths  and  other  work  J 
a  man  to  tend  the  Mason  15  dayes  5^-6^  p^  day 
600  of  8d  nales  2^-  8^  Pr  100 
6  stapels  for  doors  10*^  for  each 
500  of  10*^  nales  15s-0<i  by  800  of  6^  nales  178-0<i 
by  6  pare  of  H  hinges  3^-0*^  for  each 
a  mason  2  dayes  to  white  wash  the  hall  Li-1 

brary  and  other  places  with  Hme  and  milk] 
by  10  posts  12  rales  &  upsetting  y^  inside  fence 


May  1737 
Cr  by  mony  received  of  the  Treasurer 

Errours  Excepted 

John  Punderson. 


lb 

s 

d 

4 

19 

0 

2 

2 

0 

1 

1 

0 

4 

10 

0 

2 

0 

0 

6 

11 

3 

4 

2 

6 

0 

16 

0 

0 

5 

0 

1 

12 

0 

0 

18 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

12 

0 

30 

08 

9 

lb. 

s. 

d. 

25 

0 

0 

1739]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  331 

In  y®  Lower  House  y®  above  Account  allowed  and  ordered 
that  y«  Ballc  of  £5-8s-9*i  be  paid  to  s^  Mr.  Punderson  out  of 
y6  Colony  Treasury. 

Test  Andrew  Burr,  Clerk. 

Concurred  in  the  Upper  House. 

Test  George  Wyllys,  Secret^- 


CXCIV.    Letter  of  Samuel  Johnson 

May  14,  1739 

[From  the  draft  printed  in  Beardsley's  Life  of  Johnson, 
pp.  99-101,  New  York,  1874] 

Addressed  to  Bishop  George  Berkeley. 

May  14,  1739. 
May  it  please  your  Lordship, 

I  humbly  thank  your  Lordship  for  your  very  obliging  letter 
of  May  11,  1738,  which  came  not  to  my  hands  till  precisely 
that  day  twelve  months  after  it  was  written,  and  in  the  very 
interim  when  (having  lately  attended  on  the  examination  of 
the  scholars  at  Yale  College  for  your  Lordship's  premium)  I 
was  meditating  to  write  to  your  Lordship  and  give  you  some 
account  of  the  condition  of  things  among  us;  which  is  as 
follows :  We  had  a  good  struggle  this  year  for  the  scholarship, 
and  it  is  very  agreeable  to  see  to  what  perfection  classical 
learning  is  advanced  in  comparison  with  what  it  was  before 
your  Lordship's  donation  to  this  College,  though  I  cannot 
say  it  has  much  increased  for  these  two  years  past,  and  I 
doubt  it  is  got  to  something  of  a  stand.  Another  son  of  Mr. 
Williams  has  got  it  this  year,  who  had  manifestly  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  rest ;  but  I  think  none  have  ever  performed  to 
so  great  perfection  as  one  Whittelsey  last  year,  who  is  son 
of   a   neighboring   minister,   whose   performance   was   very 

extraordinary 

I  remain,  may  it  please  vour  Lordship,  etc. 

S.J. 


The  Revd 


332  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1739 

CXCV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  12,  1739 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  New-Haven  at 
Commencement,  Sep'"  12.  1739.  Where  were  present,  the  Rev^ 
M^  Rector  Williams,  chosen  Moderator 

Mr  Jared  Eliot 

M^  Ebenezer  Williams 

M^  Samuel  Cooke,  chosen  Scribe 

M^  Samuel  Whittelsey 

M^"  Joseph  Noyes 

Mr  Anthony  Stoddard. 

Voted,  that  the  Ashes,  Wood-pile,  Dung  &  Sweepings  of  the 
College  be  reserved,  to  be  disposed  of,  for  the  Sole  Use  & 
Benefit  of  the  College,  according  to  the  Orders  of  the  Gov- 
ernors thereof,  from  time  to  time. 

M^"  Cooke  the  Steward  appearing  &  resigning  his  Steward- 
ship, The  Trustees  by  Vote  made  choice  of  Sir  Day  for 
Steward  and  he  declared  his  acceptance ;  whereby  the  Butler- 
ship  becomes  vacant. 

By  Vote,  Sir  Whittelsey  is  chosen  a  Tutor  and  declared  his 

Acceptance. 

By  Vote,   Sir  Limon  is  chosen  a  Tutor  and  declared  his 

Acceptance. 

By  Vote,  Woodbridge  a  Sen^  Sophister  is  chosen  Butler,  & 

he  accepted. 

Voted,  that  M"-  Rector  Williams,  M^"  Eliot,  M^  Whittelsey  &  M^ 

Noyes  be  a  Com^e^  of  i\^q  Trustees,  to  provide  for  the  College 

a  Tutor  or  Tutors,  or  a  Butler,  if  any  unforeseen  Providence 

Shall  render  it  necessary,  in  y^  Intervals  betwixt  this  &  the 

next  Commencement ;  and  to  regulate  the  Price  of  the  Bear  & 

Commons;  and  to  direct  our  Steward  as  in  Prudence  they 


1739]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  333 

shall  judge  meet,  as  to  the  Preparation  of  the  next  Commence- 
ment Dinner. 

Voted,  that  M''  Jared  Eliot,  M""  Samuel  Cooke,  M'"  Samuel 
Whittelsey  be  a  Com^®  of  the  Trustees,  with  full  Powers,  in 
the  Name  &  on  the  Behalf  of  the  Trustees,  to  transact  & 
conclude  the  Affair  of  the  Schollars  Sitting  in  y^  Meeting- 
House  in  this  Society,  with  the  said  Society  by  their  Com*^^,  if 
they  shall  See  Cause  to  appoint  a  Com^'^^  ^yitli  Powers  on  their 
part  to  transact  &  conclude  the  Matter  with  our  said  Com- 
mittee ;  Impowering  our  said  Com^^^  to  take  any  such  Method 
as  they  may  think  proper  to  bring  the  said  Affair  to  an  Issue. 

Voted,  that  the  late  Steward's  Dinner  Bill  last 
year  be  allowed  at 48-  5-  6 

Voted,   that   the    late    Steward   be    allowed   for 

Allen's  Quarter  Bills  never  p<i 6-14-  2 

Voted,  that  M^  Cooke's  Acc^  for  Sundries  for  the 

College  to  this  Date  be  allow*!  at 1-17-10 

Voted,  that  Sir  Day's  Dinner  Bill  for  this  time 
be  allowed  at 43-19-  6 

Voted,  that  Sir  Day's  Ace*  for  laid  out  on  y« 

Pumps  &c  to  this  time  be  allowed  at  .      .      .      .         9-16-  6 

Voted,  that  M^"  Timothy  Jones 's  Ace*  for  Sundries 

to  this  time  be  allowed  at 16-00-  9 

Voted,  that  Cap*  James  Talmage's  Ace*  for  Sun- 
dries to  this  time  be  allowed  at 16-  5-  0 

Voted,  that  Will.  Chatterton's  Ace*  for  Sundries 

to  this  time  be  allowed  at 1-12-  06 

Voted,  that  M^  Rector  Williams  be  allowed  for 

Salary  the  year  past 500-  0-  0 

Voted,  that  M^*  Rector  Williams  be  allowed  for 

Sundries  in  ace*-  to  this  Time 2-2-9 

Voted,  that  M^"  Rector  Williams  be  allowed  for 
extraordinary  Services  in  the  College  not 
charged  in  his  Ace* 10-  0-  0 


334 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY 


[1739 


Voted,  that  there  be  allowed  for  Tuition  Money 

for  the  year  past 160-  0-  0 

Voted,  that  there  be  allowed  for  keeping  the  Li- 
brary the  year  past 5-0-0 

Voted,  that  the  Trustees  be  allowed  for  their  Travelling 

To  Mr  Eben^  Williams  .      .      .     1-15-0 


viz^ 


ToM^Jared  Eliot    .      . 
To  Mr  Anthony  Stoddard 
To  Mr  Samuel  Cooke      . 
To  Ml"  Samuel  Whittelsey 


0-14-0 
0-14-0 
0-12-0 
0-  8-0 

4-  3-0 


Voted,  that  the  Trustee's  Meeting  be  adjourned  till  the  Last 
Tuesday  in  October  next  to  meet  in  this  Place. 

Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 


Subjoyned  is  the  State  of  the  College  Accounts  brought  down 
to  this  Time. 

The  College— Di-  Sep^  1738— 

To  the  Rector  for  Salary  and  Disbursements       .  391-  5-  2 

To  Mi-  Woodbridge  for  Salary 80-0-0 

To  M^"  Lockwood  for  D^  &  keeping  the  Library    .  85-  0-  0 

To  the  Treasurer  for  Salary 8-0-0 

To  Cap*  Talmadge  for  Ace* 15-  1-  9 

To  M^  Jones  for  Ace* 16-  5-10 

To  the  Monitor 3-0-0 

To  the  Schollar  of  the  House 3-0-0 

To  the  Steward  for  Ace* 35-13-  1 

To  Will.  Chatterton  for  Ace* 3-0-0 

To  the  Trustees  for  Travel 6-4-0 

To  the  Dinner  Bill 48-5-6 

To  the  Steward  for  Allen's  Quarter  Bills  never  p^  6-14-  2 

£ 701-  9-  6 


1739] 


OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 


335 


D^-  Contra  Cred^— Sep^  1738 

By  Ball*  with  the  Treasurer  the  last  year  .      .      .  36-16-11 

By  the  Quarter  Bills 351-  7-  0 

By  the  Annuity 200-  0-  0 

By  an  additional  Grant 40-  0-  0 

By  the  Schollars  Dinf  Money 55-10-10 

By  the  Butler's  Money 8-0-0 

£      691-13-11 

College  D^  to  Ball^ 9-15-  7 


The  College— D^  September  1739 

To  Ballance  last  years  Account 

To  M^  Cooke  for  Sundries  for  the  College,  in  Ace* 

allowed 

To  Sir  Day  for  the  present  Dinner  allowed 
To  Ditto  in  Ace*  for  the  Pumps  &c  allowed 
To  M^  Timothy  Jones  for  Ace*  to  this  Time  allowed 
To  M^  Rector  for  Salary  the  year  past  allowed    . 
To  Cap*  Talmadge's  Ace*  to  this  time  allowed     . 
To  Will.  Chatterton's  Ace*  to  this  time  allowed  . 
To  M""  Rector  Williams 's  Ace*  to  this  time  allowed 
To  Do  for  extraordinary  Services  not  charged  in 

his  Ace* 

To  allowed  for  Tuition  Money  for  the  year  past 

To  allowed  for  keeping  the  Library 

To  allowed  the  Trustees  for  their  Travell  . 

A     'r\     f  1       1  f  ^o^itoi'    • 

^    . , ,    ,  [  the  Salary  of  the   ■    Schollar 

J  the  House 


of 


To  the  College  is  due  to  Ball^  Sep"--  1739 


701-  9-  6 

9-15-  7 

1-17-10 
43-19-  6 

9-16-  6 

16-  0-  9 

300-  0-  0 

16-  5-  0 

1-12-  6 

2-  2-  9 

10-  0-  0 

160-  0-  0 

5-  0-  0 

4-3-0 

3-  0-  0 

3-  0-  0 

586-13-  5 
43-15-  8 


630-09-  1 


336 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY 


[1739 


Omitted  the  Treasurer's  Salary  to  this  time  .      .  8-0-0 

which  Deduct  from  the  former  Ball*  then  will 

remain  in  Favour  of  the  College  to  Ballance      .  35-15-  8 

Pr  Contra  Cred^— September  1739 

By  the  Annuity  to  be  cleared  next  October      .      .  200-  0-  0 

By  the  Sum  of  the  Quarter  Bills 369-18-  3 

By  the  Butler's  money 12-0-0 

By  the  Schollar's  Dinner  Money  at  this  time  .      .  34-10-  0 
By  money  for  Books  Sold,  in  the  Hands  of  M^ 

Rector 14-00-10 


630-09-  1 


CXCVI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

October  30-31,  1739 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  New-Haven  at 
the  Said  College  (by  Adjournment)  on  the  last  Tuesday  in 
October  ADom.  1739 
where  were  present  The  Rev^  M^  Rector  Williams  Moderator 

Mr  Jared  Eliot 

M^  Ebenezer  Williams 

M^"  Samuel  Woodbridge 

M''  Jonathan  Marsh 

M^"  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 

M^  Samuel  Whittelsey 

M^  Joseph  Noyes 

Mj*  Anthony  Stoddard. 

The  Com*^^  of  the  Trustees  appointed  the  Last  Session  to 
treat  with  the  Com*^®  of  the  prime  Society  in  this  place,  the 
Affair  of  the  Schollars  Sitting  in  the  Meeting  house,  reported 


The  Revi 


1739]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  337 

to  this  Board  the  Vote  of  Said  Society  on  that  Affair  which 
was  accepted  by  the  Vote  of  the  Trustees. 

The  Said  Society's  Vote  is  in  his  terminis 

''At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  first  Society  in  New 
Haven  on  the  14th  Day  of  September  1739 

Voted,'  that  the  Graduates  of  Yale  College  Sit  in  the  North 
East  half  of  the  first  Seat  in  the  Front  Gallery  in  the  Meeting- 
House  of  Said  Society  for  the  Term  of  eight  years,  and  that 
the  Schollars  of  said  College  have  Liberty  to  Sit  in  the  Rest 
of  the  Seats  of  Said  Gallery,  so  far  as  to  accommodate  them, 
during  the  s^  Term :  Provided  The  Rev<^  Trustees  of  said 
College  pay  for  each  Schollar  two  Shillings  &  Six  pence 
money  p^"  Annum,  for  the  Use  of  s^  Society,  during  the  said 
Term;  Also  provided  the  s*^  Trustees  comply  with  the  above 
Proposals  by  the  last  of  October  next,  &  make  their  Report 
thereof  to  the  Standing  Com*^^  of  said  Society ;  And  also  that 
the  Said  Rev^  Trustees  pay  for  the  Use  of  said  Society,  two 
Shillings  for  each  Schollar  that  has  improved  the  s*^  Gallery 
p^"  Year  for  the  two  Years  last  past. ' ' 

N  H :  Sep''  15th-1739  The  above  is  a  true  Copie  of  the 

Minutes  Certified  p^  Sam^ :  Bishop  Clerk 

Voted,  that  each  undergraduate  Successively  for  the  Term  of 
eight  Years  next  be  assessed  two  Shillings  &  Six  pence  p'" 
Annum  for  his  Seat  in  the  Meeting-House. 


Appeared  in  the  Meeting  the  Rev*^  M^  Samuel  Whitman. 


The  Rev*i  M^  Elisha  Williams  having  at  the  last  Meeting  of 
the  Trustees  Signified  to  the  Board,  a  Necessity  of  his  Resig- 
nation of  his  Rectoral  Relation  to  the  College  on  the  Account 
of  the  Impairs  of  his  Bodily  Health;  but  at  that  Time  was 
prevailed  upon  to  suspend  his  last  Determination  of  that 
Matter,  for  further  Consideration  till  now;  and  having  re- 
signed the  s^  Rectorate,  &  thereupon  withdrawing;  The 
Trustees  by  Vote  make  Choice  of  the  Rev*i  M""  Whitman  for 
Moderator. 


338  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1739 

The  Trustees  Seriously  considering  the  s^  Resignation  of  M^ 
Rector  Williams  and  the  Reason  assigned,  find  themselves 
obliged,  tho  with  great  Reluctancy,  to  allow  of  the  same ;  and 
do  hereby  Release  him  the  s^  M^  Williams  from  the  s<^  Office, 
with  hearty  Thankfulness  for  all  his  past  good  Service  in  that 
Capacity.  And  do  by  Vote  declare  that  the  said  Rectorate  is 
now  vacant. 


Adjourned  till  to-morrow  Morning  at  half  an  Hour  after  eight. 


Octo^-  31 :  Met  according  to  Adjournment. 


The  Trustees  proceeding  after  much  Deliberation  to  the 
Choice  of  a  meet  Person  to  fill  up  the  Vacant  Rectorate,  by 
Vote  made  Choice  of  the  Rev<^  M^  Thomas  Clap  of  Windham 
for  the  Rector  of  this  College,  in  the  Room  of  M^  Rector 
Williams,  who  hath  resigned. 


The  Rev^  M^  Ebenezer  Williams  &  M^"  Samuel  Woodbridge 
are  appointed  a  Com*^^  of  the  Trustees  to  treat  with  the  Rev^ 
M^  Clap,  &  likewise  with  the  good  People  of  his  Congregation, 
as  Occasion  may  require,  for  the  obtaining  his  Acceptance  of 
the  s^  Trust,  whereunto  he  is  chosen  as  aboves*^. 

Voted,  that  the  Trustees  Com*^®  appointed  to  treat  with  the 
People  of  M^"  Clap 's  Congregation,  be  authorized,  and  hereby 
they  are  Authorized,  to  make  them  a  conditional  Offer  on 
behalf  of  this  Board;  in  Consideration  of  their  Consent  to 
his  Removal  to  the  service  of  the  College  in  the  Post  whereunto 
He  is  chosen. 


Voted,  that  the  Rev^  Mess''^  Jared  Eliot,  Samuel  Cooke, 
Samuel  Whittelsey  &  Joseph  Noyes,  or  any  two  of  them  be  a 
Com*ee  of  the  Trustees,  for  the  Inspection  of  the  College,  for 
the  Government  of  it,  during  the  Absence  of  the  Rector; 
whensoever  the  Tutors  shall  have  Occasion  to  apply  to  them 
for  that  Purpose,  or  the  s'l  Com*^^  gj^al  apprehend  it  needful. 

M^  Steward  Day  his  Account  of  Sundries  omitted  last  Com- 
mencement, &  for  his  Disbursements  on  the  present  Occasion 
is  allowed  at  £3-9-7 


1739]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  339 

The  Trustees  are  allowed  for  their  Charges  in  y*  present 
Meeting  7-11-0 


The  Rev^^  M^  Williams  the  late  Rector  moving  to  this  Board, 
that  he  be  allowed  for  the  Term  intervening  betwixt  the  last 
Commencement  to  this  Date  in  Proportion  to  his  Annual 
Salary :  The  Trustees  considering,  that  it  hath  been  their  Con- 
stant Practise  to  Settle  the  Salaries  at  Commencement  for  the 
preceding  Year;  think  it  proper  to  refer  the  s*^  Affair  for 
Determination  at  the  next  Commencement. 


Voted,  that  if  the  new  elected  Rector,  either  shal  not  Season- 
ably accept  of  the  Office  whereunto  he  is  chosen,  or  be  Provi- 
dentially hindered  from  attending  on  the  examination  of  the 
Candidates,  that  shal  offer  themselves  to  Trial  on  the  6th  Day 
of  May  next;  in  Order  to  their  Claim  to  the  Rev^  D^"  Berkley's 
Beneficence;  in  that  Case  the  Rev^  M^  Williams  the  late 
Rector,  is  appointed  Rector  pro  tempore  for  that  particular 
Service 

The  Trustees  Meeting  is  farther  Adjourned  till  the  Tuesday 
next  follomng  the  next  General  Election;  to  Convene  at  the 
House  of  the  Rev"^  M^  Samuel  Woodbridge  in  East-Hartford. 

Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 

College  D'-  October  31. 1739 

To  allowed  New  Haven  first  Society  for  the  Schol- 

lars  Seats^2  years  past I'i-  0-0 

Trustees  Charges  now  allowed 7-11-0 

M^  Day's  Ace*  allowed  now 3-  9-7 

Balla  in  Favour  of  the  College  October  31.  1739  .      .  10-15-1 

35-15-8 


D'-  Contra  Cred''  October  31;  1739 

By  Balla  in  Favour  of  the  College  last  Commence- 
ment   35-15-i 


340  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1740 

CXCVII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

April  2,  1740 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  Said  College 
Aprill  Second  1740:  the  Rev<i  M^  Thomas  Clap:  Chosen  by 
them  to  the  office  of  a  Rector,  (after  the  Rev^  M^  Elisha 
Williams  resigning  of  his  Rectorate  in  s<^  College)  on  his 
declaring  of  his  assent  to  the  doctrine  of  faith  owned  and 
assented  to  by  the  Elders  and  messengers  of  the  Collony  of 
Connecticut  assembled  by  delegation  at  Saybrook  in  the  year 
1708,  as  being  a  summary  of  the  Doctrines  of  Christianity 
agreable  to  the  word  of  god :  and  declaring  of  his  renunciation 
of  Arminian  &  other  Errors  contrary  to  said  Confession — he 
was  by  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  then  present  inducted 
into  and  fixd  in  the  Rectorate  of  it. 

Test  Sam^^  Whitman 


CXCVIII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the 
Connecticut  General  Assembly 

May  8,  1740 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Hon^^6-  the  Governour  Council  &  Representatives  of 
his  Majesties  Colony  of  Connecticutt  in  Gen^-  Court  assembled 
in  Hartford  May  8, 1740 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale-College  in  New- 
Haven  humbly  sheweth — 

1.  That  upon  the  Resignation  of  the  late  Rev^-  Rector  M^- 
Elisha  Williams,  the  Rev<^-  M^-  Thomas  Clap  Pastor  of  the 
Church  in  the  first  Society  in  Windham  was  chosen  Rector  of 
the  said  College  &  hath  accepted  the  Same  on  the  Application 


1740]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  341 

made  to  him  by  us,  and  the  Subsequent  Judgement  of  their 
Consociation  conformable  thereto. 

2.  That  the  s*^-  Society  have  applied  to  us  either  to  agree 
with  them  upon  some  certain  Sum  as  a  meet  Recompense  for 
their  temporal  Damage  sustained  by  this  Means,  or  that  we 
would  agree  \vith.  them  to  refer  it  to  the  Judgement  of  im- 
partial &  judicious  Gentlemen  to  be  mutually  chosen  for  that 
Purpose. 

3.  That  We  have  complyed  with  their  latter  Proposal  and 
with  them  have  referred  as  aboves*^- 

4.  That  the  Gentlemen  Referrees  (having  heard  &  con- 
sidered the  Case)  have  given  their  Opinion  that  300-00-00 
Pounds  refunded  to  the  said  Society  in  Consideration  of  the 
Premises  is  an  Equitable  Recompense. 

5.  That  your  Memorialists  have  nothing  in  the  Treasury 
of  said  College  to  enable  them  to  advance  the  said  Sum  or  any 
part  of  it ;  and  have  no  other  way  but  to  apply  our  Selves  to 
this  Honourable  Assembly;  Whereupon 

6.  We  become  your  Honours  humble  Petitioners  on  behalf 
of  the  said  Society ;  that  You  would  in  your  Wisdom  &  Good- 
ness allow  the  said  Society  the  Sum  afores*^-  for  the  Satisfac- 
tion of  their  temporal  Damage  sustained  in  the  Removal  of 
their  said  Pastor  to  a  Post  of  greater  &  more  general  Service- 
ableness  to  the  'Whole  Country ;  And  your  Memorialists  shall 
as  in  Duty  bound  ever  pray  &c : 

Sami^-  Whitman        |  ^^^j^tee. 
Samuel  Whittelsey  J 

In  ye  Lower  House.  On  this  Memorial  Granted  to  y«  first 
Society  in  Windham  y^  Sum  of  two  Hundred  pounds  out  of 
y«  Colony  Treasury  for  y^  Satisfaction  of  their  Temporal 
damages  &g.  and  order  that  a  bill  be  drawn  in  form 

Test  And^-  Burk  Clerk 

Concurr<i-  in  the  Upper  House  vnth.  the  Addition  of  one 
hundred  and  Ten  pounds,  to  the  said  Sum  of  Two  hundred 
pounds 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 


342  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1740 

In  y®  Lower  house.  Cap*-  Isaac  dickerman  M^-  Caleb  Leet  & 
M^-  Isaac  Spencer  are  appointed  a  Comt®^-  to  Confer  with  such 
Gen*°-  as  y^  upper  house  shall  appoint  Respecting  y^  differing 
votes  of  y^  houses  on  y®  above  memorial. 

Test  And^-  Bukr  Clerk 

In  the  Upper  House  Ozias  Pitkin  Esq^-  is  Appointed  a 
Com*®6-  to  Confer  with  the  Gen*'!-  Com*^®-  of  the  lower  House 
on  the  Difference  of  the  Houses  on  the  Above  Memorial 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrete- 
In  y®  Lower  House — y«  vote  of  y^  upper  House  Reconsidered 
&  Concurred 

Test  And^-  Burr  Clerk 


CXCIX.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

May  13-14,  1740 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  by  Adjournment 

at  the  House  of  the  Rev'i  M^  Samuel  Woodbridge  in  Hartford 

on  Tuesday  May  the  IStii-  ij^Q  where  were  present 

The  Rev^  Messrs 

Thomas  Clap  Rector 

Samuel  Whitman  Moderator 

Jared  Eliot 

Samuel  Woodbridge 

Jonathan  Marsh 

Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 

Samuel  Whittelsey 

Anthony  Stoddard. 

May.  14.  A.M.  Met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Com*^^  of  the  first  Society  in  Windham  moving  to  the 

Trustees  either  1.  for  Agreement  betwixt  the  s^  Trustees  & 


1740] OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 343 

Society  for  allowance  to  be  made  to  the  s^  Society  in  Com- 
pensation of  their  Temporal  Damages  in  the  Removal  of 
the  Reyi  M""  Clap  their  Pastor  to  the  Rectorate  of  Yale- 
College,  or  2.  to  referr  the  s<i  Affair  to  the  Judgement  of 
Judicious  disinterested  Gentlemen  mutually  to  be  chosen  to 
Consider  the  Affair  and  report  what  they  shall  judge  equi- 
table in  the  Case,  The  Trustees  hereupon  after  due  Considera- 
tion comply  with  the  Latter  Proposall.  Whereupon  the  Trus- 
tees &  said  Com*''^  mutually  Agree  and  Consent  to  refer  the 
Business  afores*^  to  the  Judgement  of  Col^  Samuel  Lynde, 
Ebenezer  West  Esq^  &  Col^  Benjamin  Hall;  and  upon  their 
Report  to  Apply  by  their  Com^^^  to  the  General  Assembly  for 
the  obtaining  a  Grant  of  such  Recompence.  Voted,  the  Rev<^ 
Mess^»  Samuel  Whitman,  Samuel  Woodbridge  &  Samuel 
Whittelsey  be  the  Com*«^  of  the  Trustees  for  the  Purposes 
afores^ 


Whereas  a  Custom  has  of  late  Years  prevailed  in  Yale-College, 
that  a  great  Number  of  the  Freshmen  have  not  attended  at 
College  till  half  or  more  of  the  Year  is  expired ;  whereby  many 
Inconveniences  have  arisen,  which  for  the  Time  to  come  to 
prevent  Voted,  that  every  Freshman  shal  be  under  the  same 
Obligation  to  attend  at  the  College  when  the  Vacancy  is  ended 
as  the  other  Classes;  &  that  if  any  of  them  shal  not  attend 
before  the  End  of  the  first  Quarter,  without  being  detained  by 
Sickness  or  some  extraordinary  Reason,  he  shal  be  placed  the 
lowest  in  the  Class. 

Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe. 


344  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1740 

CC.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  10,  1740 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

A  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  at  Yale-College,  New-Haven,  in  y® 
College  Library  Sep^  10.  1740. 

Where  were  present 

Thomas  Clap  Rector,  chosen  Moderator 

Samuel  Whitman 

Jared  Eliot 

Ebenezer  Williams 

Samuel  Woodbridge 

Jonathan  Marsh 

Samuel  Cooke,  chosen  Scribe 

Samuel  Whittelsey 

Joseph  Noyes 

Anthony  Stoddard. 

Voted,  that  the  Bev^  M^  Rector  Clap,  M^  Jared  EHot,  M^ 
Samuel  Whittelsey  &  M^  Joseph  Noyes  be  a  Com^^e  to  ascer- 
tain the  Price  of  Commons  for  y®  Ensuing  year  and  provide 
for  the  College  any  Tutor  or  Butler  for  the  s^^  year  if  any  un- 
foreseen Providence  Shall  render  Such  a  Provision  necessary 
in  ye  Interval  betwixt  this  Time  &  the  next  Commencement; 
and  likewise  to  revise  the  College  Laws  &  report  to  this  Board 
at  the  next  Commencement;  and  to  direct  our  Steward  as  in 
Prudence  they  shall  judge  meet  as  to  the  Preparation  of  the 
next  Commencement  Dinner. 


The  Revd  Mess''^ 


Voted,  that  for  the  future  every  Person  expecting  a  Master's 
Degree  shall  Signify  his  Desire  of  it  to  the  Rector  at  least  a 
Month  before  the  Commencement,  &  shal  also  personally 
attend  the  Commencement,  without  which  he  may  not  then 
expect  to  be  admitted  to  a  Degree :  And  if  in  any  Instance  the 
Trustees,  by  an  Act  of  Grace,  for  Special  Reasons  shall  See 


1740]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  345 

meet  to  allow  any  such  Person  his  Master's  Degree,  it  shal 
be  upon  his  paying  such  a  Sum  of  Money  into  the  College 
Treasury,  in  Consideration  of  his  non-attendance,  as  the  said 
Trustees  Shall  Order. 


Voted,  that  the  Rev^  M^  Rector  Clap  &  the  Rev^  M^  Joseph 
Noyes  be  a  Com*^^  to  lay  before  the  Hon^^^  the  Gen^  Assembly, 
the  Surveys  of  the  College  Farms  in  the  New-Townships,  & 
petition  the  s<i  Assembly  for  a  Patent  accordingly. 

The  Rev<i  M^  Eliphalet  Adams  having  resigned  his  Relation 
to  y«  College  as  a  Trustee;  The  Rev<i  M^  Benjamin  Lord  of 
Nor^^dch  is  unanimously  chosen  a  Trustee  of  this  College  in 
the  Room  of  the  s*^  Rev*^  M^"  Adams. 


Voted,  that  the  Rev<i  M^  Rector  Clap,  M^  Samuel  Cooke  &  M^ 
Joseph  Noyes  or  any  two  of  them  be  a  Com*^^  to  petition  the 
Gen^  Assembly  for  a  Com*^^  to  view  y«  College  &  report  to  y* 
Assembly  what  Repairs  or  Additions  are  needful ;  and  the  s^ 
Com*<^^  of  the  Trustees  are  hereby  further  instructed  to  do  in 
behalf  of  the  Trustees  what  may  be  expedient  to  pursue  the 
s<i  Affair  to  Effect. 


Voted,  that  the  Rev^  M""  Samuel  Woodbridge  on  behalf  of  the 
Trustees  ask  &  receive  of  the  late  Rector  M''  Elisha  Williams, 
the  Sum  of  ten  pounds  in  his  Hands  belonging  to  the  College ; 
and  the  same  deliver  to  M^  Treasurer  Prout. 
Voted,  that  every  Freshman  shal  be  under  y^  same  Obligation 
to  attend  at  the  College  when  the  Vacancy  is  ended  as  the 
other  Classes ;  and  if  any  of  them  shal  not  attend  before  the 
End  of  the  Vacancy,  he  shal  not  be  admitted,  unless  he  is 
detained  by  Sickness  or  some  such  extraordinary  Reason. 


Voted,  the  following  Laws  for  regulating  the  Library  viz* 

I.  That  no  Person  shal  have  Liberty  to  take  or  borrow  any 
Book  out  of  the  Library,  except  the  Rector,  Trustees,  Tutors, 
Masters  &  Batchelours  residing  at  College  &  the  two  Senior 
Classes. 

II.  That  every  Master  Batchelour  and  undergraduate  who  is 
allowed  to  Borrow  shall  for  every  Book,  he  takes  out  of  the 


346  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1740 

Library,  pay  to  y®  Library  keeper  upon  the  Receipt  of  the 
Book,  Six  pence  per  Month  for  every  Folio,  four  pence  for 
every  Quarto  and  three  pence  for  every  Octavo  or  lesser  Book ; 
and  if  he  shal  not  return  any  Book  mthin  one  Month,  he  shal 
pay  double  the  Sum  afores'^  for  each  Book  for  every  Month 
(or  part  of  a  Month  in  Proportion)  until  such  Book  be  re- 
turned, excepting  Folio 's,  which  may  be  kept  out  two  Months. 

III.  That  no  Person  whatsoever  shal  take  any  Book  out  of 
the  Library  without  informing  the  Library  keeper  thereof, 
and  he  shall  make  an  Entry  of  the  Title  &  Magnitude  of  the 
Book,  the  Person  to  whom  it  is  lent,  &  the  Time  when  lent  & 
returned. 

IV.  That  every  Person  that  takes  any  Book  out  of  the  Li- 
brary shal  be  answerable  for  al  Damages  that  are  done  to 
such  Book,  &  be  amerced  at  the  Discretion  of  the  Rector  & 
Tutors  for  every  Word  that  he  shal  write  in  it. 

V.  That  the  Library  keeper  shal  render  an  Account  to  the 
Trustees  of  what  Money  he  receives  as  afores*^,  &  shal  be 
Sufficiently  rewarded  for  his  Trouble:  and  if  there  be  any 
overplus,  the  Money  shal  be  expended  in  making  perfect 
Catalogues  of  the  Books  or  some  such  thing  for  the  Benefit  of 
the  Library  as  Occasion  may  require. 

VI.  That  the  Library  keeper  shal  give  his  attendance  in  y^ 
Library  every  Monday  &  Friday  after  Dinner,  and  no  Student 
shal  have  Liberty  to  take  out  above  three  Books  at  a  Time. 

Test.  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 


CCI.    Journal  of  George  Whitefield 

October  25, 1740 

[From  the  original  edition  of  the  Continuation  of  his 
Journal,  part  7,  pp.  50-51,  London,  1741] 

New-Haven,  Saturday,  October  25 I  dined  at 

the  Rev.  Mr.  C 's.  Rector  of  New-Haven  College,  about 

one  third  Part  as  big  as  that  of  Cambridge.     It  has  one 


1740]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  347 

Rector,  three  Tutors,  and  about  a  hundred  Students:  But  I 
hear  of  no  remarkable  Concern  amongst  them  concerning 
Religion.  I  preached  twice  to  the  Consolation  of  God's 
People,  many  of  which,  I  have  heard,  live  at  New-Haven,  and 
the  Countries  round  about.  There  were  sweet  Meltings  dis- 
cernible both  Times.  I  spoke  very  closely  to  the  Students, 
and  shewed  the  dreadful  Ill-Consequences  of  an  unconverted 
Ministry 


ecu.    Report  of  a  Committee  of  the  Connecticut 
General  Assembly  on  the  Needs  of  the  College 

October  27,  1740 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

We  y6  Subscribers  Your  Hone's-  Com*®^.  appointed  to  view 
the  State  &  Circumstances  of  Yale  College,  &  to  make  Report 
of  what  we  think  is  Nessesary  &  Conveniant  to  be  Done 
Respecting  the  same 

Haveing  viewed  &  examined  do  Take  Leave  to  Report  as 
follows  (Viz)  that  the  Roofs  of  s^-  College  Is  so  Decay 'd  that 
there  is  Nessesity  to  Shingle  It  forthwith,  &  the  Clapbords 
on  the  backside  of  s^-  College  are  allso  very  much  Decay 'd,  & 
the  Windows  &  Covering  of  s*^-  Backside  of  s^-  College  wants 
Repairing ;  And  Being  Inf  orm<i-  By  the  Rev^^-  M^-  Noyes  &  M''- 
Clapp  that  the  Number  of  Students  Belonging  to  s*i-  College 
was  Last  year  85,  &  there  is  not  Room  there  to  entertain  more 
then  45  and  We  are  of  Opinion  that  In  Order  to  entertain  all 
the  Students  In  College  It  is  Nessecary  to  erect  a  Conveniant 
Building  Capable  of  Containing  about  fifty  or  60  Scholers  & 
that  the  same  be  about  one  hundred  &  Eight  or  110  feet  Long 

and  about feet  in  Weadth  &  placed  on  the  Westerly  Side 

of  ye  College  Ground ;  &  If  the  Assembly  shall  think  proper 
to  Build  on  y^  Publick  Cost  We  would  Humbly  propose  that 
ye  Charges  of  Building  the  same  may  be  paid  out  of  y^  Vse  of 
ye  Loan  Money  formerly  Emitted. 


348  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1741 

All  w«-  Is  Humbly  Submitted 

by  Your  Hon^s-  Humb^-  Serves- 

W**-  Pitkin 
John  Marsh 
Ebenezer  West 
And"^-  Burr 
Sam'-^-  Willard 
Thomas  Benedick 
N.  Haven  Octob^-  27  1740 

In  the  Upper  House.  The  foregoing  Report  of  the  Com*®®- 
so  far  as  the  same  relates  to  repairing  the  said  College  is  now 
accepted  and  approved,  and  the  other  matters  therein  men- 
tioned are  referrd  for  Consideration  to  the  General  Assembly 
to  be  holden  at  Hartford  in  May  next;  and  a  Bill  in  form  is 
ordered  to  be  bro**-  in  accordingly. 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 

Concurred  in  y®  Lower  house 

Test.  John  Fowler  Clerk 


CCIII.   Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Connecticut 
General  Assembly 

May  14,  1741 

with  the  action  thereon 
[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Hon^i®-  the  General  Assembly  now  Sitting  at  Hart- 
ford May  14tii  1741. 

Whereas  upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College 
in  October  last,  Your  Honours  were  Pleased  to  Appoint  a 
Committee  to  View  the  College  and  Consider  what  Repairs  or 
Additions  were  necessary,  and  the  said  Com^^^-  among  other 
things  Reported  that  a  New  College  should  be  Built,  and  that 
the  Charge  thereof  be  Defrayed  out  of  a  Certain  Sum  of 


1741]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  349 

£8000  then  in  the  Treasury  Unappropriated;  And  this  Hon- 
ourable Assembly  were  then  Pleased  Universally  to  Show  a 
Just  and  Generous  Disposition  for  the  Encouragement  & 
Support  of  Learning.  But  by  Reason  of  the  Difficulties  and 
Uncertainties  which  they  were  then  under  about  the  Medium 
of  Trade  and  the  Heavy  Charges  of  the  War  Your  Honours 
were  Pleased  to  Defer  the  Consideration  of  Building  a  New 
College  to  this  Session.  And  whereas  the  same  Difficulties 
still  Remain  and  another  greater  has  since  arisen,  viz.  the 
Impoverishing  Severity  of  the  last  Winter,  and  the  Present 
Threatning  Aspects  of  Scarcity.  The  Trustees  would  Choose 
for  the  Present  to  bear  the  great  Inconveniencies  which  the 
College  is  under  for  want  of  better  Accommodation,  rather 
than  that  the  People  of  this  Colony  should  at  this  Distressing 
time  have  any  greater  Burden  laid  upon  them  than  they  are 
well  able  to  Bear.  And  therefore  humbly  Submit  it  to  The 
Wisdom  of  this  Hon^^^-  Assembly,  Whether  they  will  be 
Pleased  to  Defer  the  Consideration  of  the  Report  of  the  said 
Committee  untill  the  Present  Difficulties  be  Removed,  and 
divine  Providence  shall  so  Smile  upon  this  Colony  as  to  give 
the  Trustees  a  Convenient  Opportunity  again  to  Put  Your 
Honour  in  Mind  of  it. 

Thomas  Clap  Rector, 

In  behalf  of  the  Trustees. 

Geni-  Assembly  May  1741 

Upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  now 
preferred  to  the  Assembly,  Ordered  that  the  matters  men- 
tioned in  the  within  Report,  referred  to  the  consideration  of 
this  Assembly,  be  now  continued  and  referred  to  such  future 
Session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony  as  the  said 
Trustees  shall  see  cause  to  make  Application  to  to  take  the 
same  into  their  Consideration. 

past  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 

Concurred  with  in  y®  Lower  House. 

Test,  Jn''-  Russell  Clerk 


350  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1741 

CCIV.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  9,  1741 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

One  of  the  ensuing  votes,  for  the  discipline  of  students 
casting  reflections  on  the  piety  of  College  officers,  was 
carried  by  the  Rector  in  order  to  deal  with  David  Brain- 
erd,  then  just  completing  the  Sophomore  year,  who  had 
aspersed  the  religious  character  of  a  Tutor. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale-College  in  New-Haven 
in  the  Library  Wednesday  September  9*^  1741.  where  were 
present  of  the  Trustees 

M^"  Thomas  Clapp  Rector,  chosen  Moderator 

Ml"  Samuel  Whitman 

M^  Jared  Eliot 

Ml"  Jonathan  Marsh 

M^  Samuel  Cooke,  chosen  Scribe 

Mr  Samuel  Whittelsey 

M^  Joseph  Noyes 

Mr  Anthony  Stoddard. 
Voted,  that  the  Rev^^  M'"  Rector  Clapp  on  behalf  of  this  Body 
acquaint  the  Rev<i  D^  Berkley  with  the  Proffits  accruing  to  this 
College,  for  the  Encouragement  of  our  Students,  from  his 
generous  Donation  of  the  Estate  at  Rhode-Island  &  offer  our 
repeated  Thanks  on  the  Occasion. 

Voted,  that  the  Rev«^  M^  Rector  Clapp,  M^"  Jared  Eliot,  M^ 
Samuel  Whittelsey  and  M^  Joseph  Noyes  be  a  Com*<^®  to 
ascertain  the  Price  of  Commons  for  the  ensuing  Year,  and 
provide  for  the  College  any  Tutor,  Steward  or  Butler  for  the 
s<^  Year,  if  any  unforeseen  Providence  Shall  render  such  a 
Provision  necessary  in  the  Intervall  betwixt  &  the  next  Com- 
mencement; and  to  direct  our  Steward,  as  in  Prudence  they 
judge  meet,  as  to  the  Preparation  of  the  Commencement 
Dinner. 


The  Revd 


Voted,  that  M^"  Thomas  Balch  be  admitted  to  a  Master's 
Degree. 


1741] OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 351 

Voted,  that  the  Bev^  M^  Whittelsey  &  M^  Noyes  be  a  Com**^® 
to  view  &  provide  for  what  Repairs  may  be  thought  needfull 
to  be  made  of  the  Rector's  House  &  Fences,  &  to  draw  out  of 
the  Treasury  Money  needfull  for  that  purpose,  &  return  an 
Account  to  this  Board  the  next  Commencement. 

Voted,  that  the  Uev^  M""  Rector  Clapp,  M^  Samuel  Cooke  & 
M^"  Anthony  Stoddard  be  a  Com^^^  \^q  address  the  General 
Assembly  on  Behalf  of  the  Trustees  with  a  Petition  for  the 
Renewall  of  the  Annuity  lately  allowed  the  College. 

Voted,  that  if  any  Student  of  this  College  shall  directly  or  in- 
directly say,  that  the  Rector,  either  of  the  Trustees  or  Tutors 
are  Hypocrites,  carnall  or  unconverted  Men,  he  Shall  for  the 
first  Offence  make  a  publick  Confession  in  the  Hall,  &  for  the 
Second  Offence  be  expell'd. 

Ordered  that  the  Steward  Shall  provide  the  Commons  for  the 
Schollars  as  follows  viz* 

For  Breakfast 
One  Loaf  of  Bread  for  4,  which  (the  Dough)  Shall  weigh  one 
Pound. 

For  Dinner  for  4 
One  Loaf  of  Bread  as  afores<i;  2i/^  pounds  of  Beef,  Veal  or 
Mutton  or  1%  pounds  of  Salt  Pork  about  twice  a  Week  in  the 
Summer  Time ;  one  Quart  of  Beer ;  2  penny  Worth  of  Sauce. 

For  Supper  for  4. 
2  Quarts  of  Milk  &  one  Loaf  of  Bread,  when  Milk  can  con- 
veniently be  had,  and  when  it  cannot  then  an  Apple-Pye  which 
shall  be  made  of  1%  lb  Dough,  I/4  lb  Hogs  fat,  2  oz  Sugar  &  i/^ 
peck  of  Apples. 

And  the  Com*<^^  appointed  to  State  the  Price  of  the  Commons 
Shall  State  the  Commodities  afores*^  at  the  currant  Market 
Price  &  allow  the  Steward  50  p^"  Cent.  Advance  for  his  Care 
&  Trouble.  rp^g^^  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 

D^" Yale  College  in  New-Haven 

1741 
Sep'-  9^^ 


352                     DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1741 

To  Mr  Rector  Clapp's  Salary  allowed  .      .      .      .  320-00-00 

To  Mr  Tutor  Whittelsey's  Salary  allowed  .      .      .  090-00-00 

To  M^  Tutor  Lyman's  Salary  allowed  .      .      .      .  090-00-00 

To  M^  Clapp  for  Disbursements  as  p^  Ace*  allowed  021-15-09 

To  M'"  Whittelsey  Library  keeper  allowed  .      .      .  010-00-00 

To  the  Monitor  Sir  Grant  allowed 004-00-00 

To  the  Schollar    of    the    House    Sir    Williams 

allowed 003-00-00 

To    Cap*    Talmage    his    Account    for    Sundries 

allowed 019-15-02 

To  M^  Timothy  Jones  for  Sundries  as  p^  Account 

allowed 029-19-04 

To  William  Chatterton  for  Sundries  as  p^  Account 

allowed 002-05-06 

To  the  Com^e  of  the  first  Society  in  New  Haven 

for  Seat-Money 009-07-06 

To    the    Steward    for    Commencement    Dinner 

allowed 050-15-05 

To  the  Trustees  for  Travel  to  the  Commencement 

which  was  paid  by  the  Steward  in  the  Library  004-02-00 

To  Sir  Lampson  for  account  allowed    ....  000-10-00 

To  Deacon  John  Punderson  for  Account  allowed  002-00-00 

To  M^  Day  for  Account  allowed 002-09-09 

Summa £660-00-05 

The  above  Account  allowed  by  the  Trustees  Sep^  9*^  1741 

Test  Samuel  Cooke  Scribe 


CCV.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Connecticut 
General  Assembly 

October  8,  1741 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  report  on  the  final  action  of  the  Assembly  is  in  the 


1741]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  353 

handwriting  of  Rector  Clap;  and  that  of  the  committee 
in  the  handwriting  of  Judge  William  Pitkin. 

To  the  Honourable  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut  now  Sitting  at  New-Haven  Octob'"-  S^^-  1741 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  Humbly 
sheweth 

The  Additional  Grant  made  to  the  said  Trustees  for  several 
years  past  is  now  Expired,  and  the  necessities  of  the  College 
continuing  the  same  and  Increasing  by  the  Rising  of  Price  of 
all  Commodities,  The  Trustees  therefore  humbly  Pray  that 
this  Hon^i-  Assembly  would  be  Pleased  to  make  an  Addi- 
tional Grant  of  Such  Summ  and  for  such  a  Term  as  they  in 
their  Wisdom  and  Generosity  shall  think  Proper. 

The  Trustees  would  also  Inform  your  Honours,  That  there 
is  need  of  some  Repairs  about  the  Rectors  House  and  Fence 
adjoyning,  and  some  Addition  to  the  Kitchin.  The  Trustees 
would  therefore  Pray  Your  Honours  that  according  to  Your 
Usual  Wisdom  and  Goodness  is  such  cases.  You  would  be 
Pleased  to  Appoint  a  Committee  to  View,  Consider,  and  make 
Report,  and  so  your  Petitioner  as  in  Duty  Bound  shall  ever 
Pray  &c. 

Thomas  Clap  Rector 

In  the  Behalf  the  Trustees 

In  the  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  New 
Haven 

This  Assembly  grants  that  there  shall  be  paid  out  of  the 
publick  Treasury  of  the  Colony  to  the  Treasurer  of  said 
College  for  the  Use  of  the  same,  the  sum  of  Thirty  pounds  in 
Bills  of  Creditt  of  the  new  Tenour  or  in  other  Bills  Equivalent 
thereto  annually  for  the  Term  of  three  years  next  coming,  in 
Addition  to  the  standing  Allowance  made  to  said  College. 

past  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 

Concurred  with  in  y®  Lower  house 

Test  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 


354  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1741 

In  the  upper  House 

On  Consideration  of  this  Memorial,  William  Pitkin  Esq^- 
(with  such  Gent°-  as  may  be  joyn*^-  by  the  lower  House)  are 
appointed  a  Comm*^^-  to  View  and  Consider  respecting  Re- 
paration and  Addition  &c  as  prayed  for,  and  Report  their 
Opinion  thereupon  to  the  Assembly  in  their  present  Session. 

Test  GrEORGE  Wyllys  Secret^- 

Concurred  with  in  y^  Lower  house  with  y^  addition  y*-  Cap*- 
John  Riggs  &  Cap*-  John  Mash  be  Joyned  with  y^  Com**- 
afores*^- 

Test.  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 

Wee  your  Honours  Comittee  appointed  on  the  Memoriall  of 
the  Trustees  of  Yale  Colledge,  to  view  the  Rectors  House  and 
fence  about  the  yeard,  and  to  Report  what  Repares  and  addi- 
tions are  needfuU,  Haveing  Viewed  and  Considered  Beg  Leave 
Humbly  to  Report  that  wee  are  of  opinion  there  is  Great  Need 
of  a  Small  Kitchin  on  the  Back  Side  of  the  House  of  about 
Sixteen  feet  Square  Beside  the  Chimny  Space,  and  of  Some 
Small  Repares  of  the  House,  and  that  the  fence  about  the 
yeard  and  next  the  Street,  Northward  from  the  House,  be 
new  erected,  all  which  is  Humbly  Submitted  to  your  Honours 
Wise  Consideration,  by  your  Honours  Humble  Serv*^- 

W^-  Pitkin 

John  Marsh 

John  Rigkjs 
N :  Haven  October  the  16*^  1741 

In  y*  Lower  house  y^  above  Report  Read  and  Approved, 
and  Ordered  y*-  a  bill  in  form  be  Drawn  y^on. 
Test  John  Fowler  Clerk 

Coneurr<^-  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 

On  the  Memorial  of  the  Reverend  Trustees  of  Yale  College 
in  New-Haven,  This  Assembly  Grants  that  there  shall  be 


1742] OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY 355 

Paid  out  of  the  Public  Treasury  of  this  Colony  to  the  Treas- 
urer of  said  College  for  the  Use  of  the  same  the  Sum  of 
Thirty  Pounds  in  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  new  Tenour  or  other 
Bills  Equivalent  thereunto  for  the  Term  of  Three  Years  next 
coming  in  Addition  to  the  Standing  Allowance  made  to  tlie 
said  College. 

Upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  and  the 
Report  of  the  Committee  thereupon,  which  was  read  and 
accepted, 

Ordered  that  there  be  erected  on  the  Backside  of  the  Rectors 
House  a  small  Kitchin  of  about  Sixteen  feet  square  beside  the 
Chimney  Place  and  one  Story  High,  and  that  such  Repairs 
as  are  necessary  be  made  about  the  Rectors  House,  and  that 
there  be  erected  a  good  and  Decent  new  Fence  about  the  yard 
before  the  Rectors  House  and  from  thence  by  the  Street  north- 
ward to  the  Corner.  And  Mess^^^-  Dan^^-  Edwards  and  Sam^^- 
Mix  of  New  Haven  are  hereby  appointed  to  take  Care  of  and 
Procure  the  said  Work  to  be  done  in  the  best  and  most  con- 
venient manner  and  as  Reasonably  as  may  be,  and  to  render 
an  account  of  their  doings  in  that  Affair  to  this  Assembly. 

And  Nath"-  Stanly  Esq^-  &  Cap*-  John  Marsh  are  hereby 
Ordered  to  draw  out  of  the  Public  Treasury  of  this  Colony 
such  Summs  of  Bills  of  Credit  as  they  shall  Judge  necessary 
for  the  Purpose  aforesaid  and  deliver  the  same  to  the  said 
Committee  for  the  Use  aforesaid  taking  their  Receipt  therefor. 

past  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 

Concurred  in  y®  Lower  house 

Test  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 


CCVI.    Extract  from  the  Boston  Evening  Post 

April  26,  1742 

From  Connecticut,  that  in  divers  Parts  of  that  Colony,  they 
are  in  great  Confusion  on  religious  Accounts;  and  that  at 
Yale  College  in  New-Haven  the  Divisions  are  so  great,  that 


356  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1742 

the  Students  have  all  left  it,  and  are  gone  Home.  They  are 
in  Hopes  that  the  General  Assembly  which  is  soon  to  meet, 
will  find  out  some  Expedient  for  composing  their  Differences. 


CCVII.    Report  of  a  Committee  of  the  Connecticut 

General  Assembly,  on  a  Passage  Relating  to  the 

College  in  Governor  Law's  Speech 

May  13,  1742 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  Report  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Colonel  James 
Wadsworth,  of  Durham,  the  senior  member  of  the  Com- 
mittee. The  passage  in  the  Governor's  speech  was  as 
follows:  "The  unhappy  Circumstances  of  our  Colledge 
which  for  want  of  supporting  due  Order  and  Regu- 
lation has  disjoersed  y®  Students  at  an  unusual  Season 
should  be  rectifyd  before  y^  Return  least  it  su:ffer  a  fatal 
Dissolution. ' ' 

The  Com*6e.  appoynted  to  take  into  consideration  that 
paragraph  in  his  Honours  Speech  (made  to  this  Assembly) 
relateing  to  the  unhapie  ciercomstances  of  the  Colege,  pur- 
suant to  the  order  of  this  assembly,  have  made  Inqueiery  of 
the  Reuer<^-  Rector  of  s*^-  Coledge,  and  of  others  likelie  to 
Inform  us  respecting  the  State  thereof,  and  after  deliberation, 
take  leaue  to  Report  to  your  Honour,  &  to  this  Honourable 
Assembly,  as  followeth. 

That  Sundry  of  the  Students  of  s^-  Colege,  haue  as  the 
reuer^i-  Rector  Informeth  us  by  the  Instigation  perswation  & 
example  of  others,  fallen  into  Seueral  Errors  in  principal  and 
disorders  in  practice,  which  may  be  uerry  hurtfull  to  Relegion, 
and  Some  of  them  Inconsistant  with  the  good  order,  &  gouer- 
ment  of  that  Societie. 

Perticulerly,  Some  of  the  Students  haue  fallen  into  the 
practice  of  Rash  Judgeing  &  censureing  others,  euen  Some  of 
the  Gouernours,  teachers  &  Instructors  of  the  Colege,  as  being 


1742]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  357 

unconuerted,  unexperienced  &  unskillfull  guids,  in  matters  of 
Eelegion,  and  haue  thereupon  contemtuously  refused  to  sub- 
mit to  theire  autlioritie,  and  to  attend  upon  &  barken  to  tbeire 
Relegious  Exercises  &  Instructions,  but  rather  to  attend  upon 
the  Instructions  &  directions  of  those  to  whome  the  care  of 
Instructing  y^  Students  is  not  commited. 

Some  under-Graduate  Students  haue  made  it  theire  practice 
by  day  &  night,  &  Some  times  for  Seueral  days  together,  to 
go  about  in  the  Town  of  Newhauen,  as  well  as  in  other  Towns, 
and  before  greate  Numbers  of  people,  to  teach  &  Exhort,  much 
after  the  same  maner,  that  ministers  of  the  Gospel  do,  in 
theire  publick  preaching. 

That  much  pains  hath  been  taken,  to  prejudice  the  minds  of 
the  Students,  against  our  Eclesiastical  constitution  and  to 
perswade  them  to  dissent  &  withdraw  from  the  way  of  Wor- 
ship &  ministry  Established  by  the  Laws  of  this  Gouerment, 
and  to  attend  on  priuate  &  Seperate  meetings  and  that  Sundry 
of  the  Students  haue  so  don,  in  contempt  of  the  Laws  & 
authoretie  of  the  Coledge. 

that  these  things  haue  occationed  greate  expence  of  pre- 
cious time,  by  disputs  among  the  Scholers,  and  Neglect  of 
theire  Studies  &  exercises  at  Colege,  and  haue  been  a  hinder- 
ance  to  the  florishing  of  Eelegion  &  uital  pietie  in  that  Societie, 
and  if  Tolerated,  may  def eate  the  good  ends  &  designs  of  it 's 
Institution. 

Your  Com*^^-  thereupon  are  humbly  of  opinion,  that  it  is  of 
greate  Importance,  both  to  our  Ciuil  &  Eclesiastical  State  that 
the  true  principals  of  Relegion  &  good  order  be  maintained  in 
that  Seminary  of  Learning. 

and  that  it  be  Recommended  to  the  Reuer*^-  Rector,  Trustees 
&  others  concerned  in  the  Gouerment  &  Instruction  of  the 
Colege,  to  be  uerry  carfull  to  Instruct  the  Students  in  the 
true  principals  of  Relegion,  according  to  our  confession  of 
faith  &  Eclesiastical  constitution ;  and  to  keep  them  from  all 
Such  errors  as  they  may  be  in  danger  of  Imbibeing  from 
Strangers  &  foraigners,  and  to  use  all  such  proper  measurs, 
as  are  in  theire  power,  to  preuent  theire  being  under  the  In- 


358  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1742 

fluence  &  Instruction  of  Such  as  would  prejudice  theire  minds 
against  the  way  of  worship  &  Ministry  Established  by  the 
Laws  of  this  Gouerment,  and  that  order  &  authorety  be  duly 
maintained  in  that  Societie ;  and  that  those  should  not  Injoy 
the  preueledges  of  it,  who  contumatiously  refuse  to  Submit 
to  the  Laws,  orders  &  Rules  thereof,  which  haue  been  made, 
or  shall  be  made,  according  to  the  powers  &  Instructions  giuen 
in  theire  Charter,  but  we  thinke  it  highly  reasonable,  that  all 
proper  meanes  be  first  used  with  Such  Scholers,  that  they  may 
be  reclaimed  &  redused  to  order,  before  they  be  dismissed  the 
Colege  as  Incorageable. 

Your  Comtee.  are  also  Informed,  that  at  a  late  meeting  of 
the  Trustees,  they  concluded,  that  in  order  to  the  remoueing 
the  diffeculties  of  the  Colege,  it  was  proper  that  Some  ex- 
perienced Graue  Devins  repayer  to  Newhauen,  and  there  to 
Instruct  the  Scholers  by  theire  Sermons,  that  may  be  by  them 
prepared  for  that  end;  and  forasmuch  as  such  devines  must 
be  taken  from  other  pulpits,  and  the  Trustees  not  haveing 
money  in  theire  Treasury,  suffetient  to  hire  a  person,  to  suply 
such  pulpit  or  pulpits;  we  therefore  recommend  it  to  this 
assembly  to  Grant  to  the  Trustees  a  suffetient  Sum,  to  enable 
them  to  hire  a  meet  person  to  suply  such  pulpit  or  pulpits. 

All  which  is  Submited  by  your  humble  Seru*^- 

James  Wadswoeth 
Jos.  Whiting 
Jer.  Miller 
E.  Williams 
Sam^^-  Hill 
jo^TH.  Hait 
Jno-  Griswold 
Eben^-  Gray 

In  the  Upper  House.  The  aforegoing  Report  read  accepted 
&  approved. 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secret^- 

Concurred  with  in  y«  Lower  house 

Test  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 


Present  the  Rev^  M^ 


1742]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  359 


CCVIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  8,  1742 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

At  a  meeting  of  y®  Trustees  of  Yale  College  at  Newhaven  in 
the  Library  Septemb^  8.  1742. 

Thomas  Clap  Moderator 

Sam^^  Whitman  Scribe 

Jared  Eliot 

Eben^  Williams. 

Jonathan  Marsh. 

Sam^i  Cooke. 

Samii  Whitlesey. 

Joseph  Noyse. 

Anthony  Stoddard 

Voted,  that  the  Rev^  M^  Rector  Clap  M^  Jared  Eliot,  M^  Sam^J 
Whittlesy  and  M^  Joseph  Noyse  be  a  Committee  to  ascertain 
the  price  of  Commons  and  provide  for  the  College  any  Tutor 
or  Butler,  if  any  unforeseen  providence  shall  render  such 
provision  necessary  betwixt  the  times  of  the  meetings  of  the 
Trustees :  &  to  direct  the  Steward  as  in  prudence  they  shall 
judge  meet  as  to  the  preparation  for  the  commencement 
dinner  untill  they  shall  order  otherwise. 

At  the  same  meeting  voted  that  the  Thanks  of  this  Board  be 
returned  to  Madam  Clap  for  her  great  goodness  and  Gen- 
erosity in  furnishing  this  College  with  a  new  Bell  and  that 
some  persons  be  deputed  in  their  names  to  do  it  &  at  the  same 
time  the  Rev^  M*"  Sam^^  Whittman  &  M^  Ebenezer  Williams 
were  appointed  to  do  it. 

At  the  same  meeting  voted  that  S^  Worthington  be  a  Tutor  in 
this  College  provided  he  give  good  satisfaction  with  respect  to 
his  principles,  and  he  accordingly  appeared  before  the  trustees 
and  did. 

At  the  same  meeting  voted  that  S^  Whiting  be  the  Butler  of 
this  College  ^^g^  g^^^,,.  ^Vhitman  Scribe. 


360  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1742 


CCIX.    Report  to  the  Connecticut  General  Assembly 
OF  THE  Committee  to  Repair  the  Rector's  House 

October,  1742 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  y®  honourable.  General  Assembly  now  Sitting  in  N.  Haven 
Octob^-  1742 

We  y®  Subscribers  being  by  your  honours  Appointed  a 
Committee  to  take  Care  of  &  procure  Certain  Work  to  be  Done 
at  and  about  y^  Rector's  House,  and  to  Render  an  Acco*-  of 
our  Doings  in  that  Affair  to  this  Assembly  Do  Now  humbly 
beg  Leave  to  Exhibit  y^  Same  which  is  as  f olloweth,  viz : 

To  Sundry  Small  repairs  Done  last  fall  £  0-11^ 

To  Bricks  5M  at  60/  15-  0-0 

To  ye  frame  for  y^  Kitchen '  12-10-0 

To  Stones  22  Load  7-10-0 

To  Lime  &  Clay  9-  7-0 

To  Masons  &  Tendance  15-14-9 

To  Boards  Shingles  Slitwork  pales  Joice  plank)     (?-|_nA_Q 

Timb^-  Casements  and  laths  J 

To  red  Cedar  for  posts  6-  9-6 

To  Nails  and  Brads  15-15-9 

To  ye  Joiner's  &  Glaisier's  Bills  81-12-2 

To  ye  Black  Smiths  Hinges  latches  &c:  5-  3-4 

To  Oil  and  Paint  5-  7-7 


236-  2-2 
Cash  Rec<i-  163-10-0 


Remains  72-12-2 

D.  Edwards    ,   p      ^^ 
Sam^-  Mix 


1743]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  361 

CCX.    Memorial  of  Daniel  Edwards  and  Samuel  Mix 
TO  THE  Connecticut  General  Assembly,  Con- 
cerning Eepairs  Made  at  College 

May  6,  1743 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  Memorial  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Rector  Clap. 

To  the  Hon^^^-  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut at  their  Session  in  May  1743 

The  Memorial  of  Daniel  Edwards  and  Samuel  Mix  Humbly 
Sheweth 

That  Your  Honours  were  Pleased  to  appoint  us  a  Com^t^®- 
to  Build  an  Additional  Kitchin  and  Make  a  New  Fence  about 
the  Rectors  House  at  New  Haven,  for  which  Service  the 
Hon^i^-  House  in  Oct^-  last  were  Pleased  to  Grant  to  Your 
Memorialists  Twelve  Pounds  (Old  Tenour)  but  it  being  at  the 
Close  of  the  Assembly,  that  Vote  it  seems  was  lost  or  over- 
lookt,  so  that  it  did  not  Pass  the  Hon^^^-  Bord.  Your  Me- 
morialists therefore  pray  that  this  Hon^^^-  Assembly  would  be 
pleased  again  to  take  the  Case  into  Consideration  and  do  in 
your  Wisdom  as  you  shall  think  Proper. 

And  so  your  Mem^ts-  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  Pray  &c 

Dan^'^-  Edwards 
Sam^-  Mix 
New  Haven  May  6^^- 1743 

In  j^  Lower  house.  Ordered  y*-  y®  Treasurer  of  y^  Collony 
be  Ordered  to  pay  to  y^  Memorialists  y^  Summ  of  Twelve 
pounds  old  Tenner  &  a  Bill  in  form  &c 

Test  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 

Concurrd  in  the  upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety- 


362  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1743 

CCXI.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  13,  1743 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale 
College  at  New-haven 
Sep.  13.  1743  present 
The  Revd  M^ 


Thomas  Clap  Moderator 
Sam^i  Whitman  Scribe 
Joseph  Noyse 
Jared  Eliot 
Sam"  Whittlesy 
Benjamin  Lord 
Anthony  Stoddard 


At  the  Same  meeting  M^"  Thomas  Darling  was  chosen  a  Tutor 
of  Yale  College. 

At  the  Same  meeting  y«  Rev*!  M^  Daniel  Wadsworth  of  Hart- 
ford was  chosen  a  Trustee  of  Yale  College. 
At  the  Same  Meeting  The  Rev*i  M^-  Thomas  Clap  Sam^i  Whitle- 
sey  Jared  Eliot  and  Joseph  Noyse  were  chosen  a  Committee 
to  dispose  of  the  Farm  at  Salsbury. 

At  the  same  meeting  voted  that  the  Standing  Committee  for 
the  putting  in  of  a  Tutor  if  there  be  need :  put  in  a  third  Tutor 
if  they  think  propper  or  agree  with  M^  Whitlesey  Tutor  about 
his  taking  &  instructing  of  two  classes. 
At  the  same  meeting  Sir  Whiting  was  chosen  Butler. 
At  the  same  The  Bev^  M^  Thomas  Clap  &  M^  Sam^i  Whitlesey 
&  M^  Joseph  Noyse  were  chosen  a  Committee  to  carry  The 
Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  be  holden  at  Newhaven  somtime 
in  October  next. 

Voted  That  all  undergraduate  living  in  College  shall  be  in 
Commons. 

Test  Sam^^-  Whitman  Scribe 


1743]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  363 

CCXII.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Cox- 
NECTicuT  General  Assembly 

October  13,  1743 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

To  the  Honourable  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut  at  their  session  in  New  Haven  Oct.  13,  1743. 

The  memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  humbly 
sheweth : 

That  whereas  this  HonW  Assembly  of  their  Fatherly  Care 
and  Concern  for  the  religious  as  well  as  Civil  Intrest  of  the 
People  of  this  Colony  were  pleased  to  Found  &  Establish  Yale 
College,  which  by  the  Blesing  of  God  has  been  very  Service- 
able to  Promote  the  Intrest  of  Religion  &  Learning  in  the 
Land,  and  has  been  the  Visible  Means  of  Qualifying  Many  for 
doing  Special  Service  in  Church  and  State :  and  this  Honbl. 
Assembly  have  from  time  to  time  shown  a  just  &  Generous 
Disposition  to  grant  such  supplies  as  ware  necessary  for  the 
suport  of  it.  Yet  your  Memorialists  would  Inform  your 
Honours  that  of  late  years  by  reason  of  the  great  Fall  of  Bills 
of  Credit,  your  memorialists  have  not  been  able  to  well  sup- 
port the  great  and  necessary  charges  thereof.  And  here  your 
Memorialists  would  beg  leave  to  put  your  Honours  in  mind  of 
what  this  Assembly  have  heretofore  done  upon  that  acount. 
When  this  Assembly  granted  the  College  Charter  in  the  year 
1701  they  ware  pleased  therein  to  Grant  120  pounds  annualy 
in  Country  Pay.  Afterwards,  viz.  in  the  year  1712  (when  the 
manner  of  Pajment  was  altered,)  this  Assembly  were  pleased 
to  grant  100  Pounds  annually  in  silver  money  or  Bills  in  lieu 
of  the  aforesaid  120  Pounds  in  Pay.  And  after  some  grants 
of  the  Impost  Money  this  Assembly  in  the  year  1729,  (in  Con- 
sideration of  the  fall  of  Bills)  were  pleased  to  grant  80 
Pounds,  &  in  the  year  1731  to  grant  100  Pounds  per  annum  in 
addition  to  the  aforesaid  100,  which  two  Hundred  Pounds  have 
continued  ever  since.  And  now  your  Memorialists  would  in- 
form your  Honours  that  by  reason  of  the  continual  depre- 


364  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1743 

elating  of  the  said  Bills,  your  memorialists  have  not  been  able 
to  defray  the  current  Charges  &  to  well  support  the  Officers  & 
Instructers  of  the  College,  but  they  have  been  obliged  to  serve 
the  Public  out  of  their  own  private  Fortunes  (in  part,)  and 
besides  by  reason  of  the  Increase  of  the  Number  of  the  Stu- 
dents, that  two  Tutors  are  not  able  well  and  sufficiently  to 
instruct  three  classes :  and  therefore  there  is  great  need  of  a 
third  Tutor  if  we  had  herewithall  to  support  him.  Your  Me- 
morialists therefore  would  humbly  pray  that  your  Honour 
would  be  pleased  to  take  the  Premises  into  your  wise  Con- 
sideration, and  that  from  a  Generous  Regard  to  the  Flourish- 
ing state  of  Learning  would  be  pleased  to  grant  such  a  Sum  of 
Lawful  Money  as  may  be  equal  to,  and  in  lieu  of  the  original 
Grants  which  we  suppose,  all  Circumstances  considered  to  be 
nearly  Equivalent  to  100  Pounds,  which  we  apprehend  will  be 
requisite  in  Order  to  Support  another  Tutor,  and  the  other 
necessary  Charges  of  the  College,  and  such  Grant  to  Continue 
for  such  a  Time  as  your  Honours  in  your  Wisdom  and  Good- 
ness shall  think  Proper. 

And  so  your  Memorialists,  as  in  Duty  Bound,  shall  ever 
pray,  &c. 

Thomas  Clap  1 

Sam^-^-  Whittelsey  ^Com*®6- 
Joseph  Noyes  J 

Upon  the  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College. 

This  Assembly  do  hereby  grant  unto  the  Trustees  afores^ 
for  the  Use  of  said  College  in  lieu  of  all  former  Grants  to 
them,  or  the  College,  for  its  support,  such  Sum  in  Bills  of 
publick  Credit,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  in  two 
equal    Payments    in    October    and    May    annually    as    shall 

be  equivalent  to  one  hundred  pounds  lawful  money 

of  this  Colony,  This  Grant  to  continue  during  the  Pleasure  of 
this  Assembly. 

Past  in  the  Upper  House 

Test  Geokge  Wyllys  Secrety- 

Concurred  with  in  y^  Lower  House 

Test  J^o-  Fowler  Clerk 


1744]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY      •  365 

CCXIII.    Proceedings  of  the  Trustees 

September  12,  1744 

[From  the  original  minutes  in  the  University  Archives] 

The  vote  prescribing  a  limit  of  age  for  Freshmen,  was 
prompted  by  the  cases  of  David  Brainerd,  of  the  Class  of 
1743,  who  had  been  expelled  in  1741,  and  Samuel  Buell, 
of  the  Class  of  1741,  who  had  been  irregularly  ordained 
in  1742.  Each  of  these  was  over  twenty-one  at  the  begin- 
ning of  his  Freshman  year. 

Att  a  meeting  of  Trustees  of  Yale  College  in  New  haven 
Sep  12tb  1744 

Then  Present 

Tho  Clap  Rect^ 

Jared  Eliot 

Sam^i  Cooke 
The  Rev<i      J      Sam"  Whittlsey 
Messrs       I      Josph  Noyes 

Anthony  Stoddard 

Benj.  Lord 

Dan^i  Wadswortli 

The  Question  being  put  Whether  M^  Buell,  being  ordained  in 
the  manner  he  was  shall  Barr  him  of  his  masters  degree, 
Resolved  in  the  Negative  Provided  that  this  act  Shall  never 
be  brought  as  a  Precedent. 

Whereas  the  originall  design  of  this  College  as  declared  in 
the  Charter  was  for  the  Training  up  youth  in  the  arts  and 
Sciences  it  is  agreed  and  voted  that  after  the  End  of  this 
vacancy  no  person  Shall  be  admitted  a  freshman  into  this 
College  who  is  more  than  twenty  one  years  old,  unless  by 
Special  allowance  of  the  Trustees  or  their  Conunittee. 

That  the  Rector  with  the  advice  of  any  two  or  three  of  the 
Trustees  apply  himself  to  the  Gen"  Assembly  in  Ocf  next  to 


366  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1744 

Revive  the  motion  for  Erecting  another  College  house;  or  to 
Repair  the  Rectors  house  also  to  Purchase  additionall  Lands 
to  the  College  yard. 

A  Draught  of  a  new  Charter  for  Yale  College  being  Red  at 
this  Board,  voted  that  the  S*^  draught  be  delivered  to  Coll. 
Fitch  for  his  Perusal  and  best  thoughts  upon  it ;  for  which  we 
order  him  five  pounds  old  Tenor  and  that  the  draught  by  the 
advice  of  two  or  three  Trustees  by  the  Rector  be  presented  to 
the  Gen^i  Assembly  in  Oct  next,  desiring  that  they  would  be 
Pleased  to  Pass  it  into  an  Act. 

Jared  Eliot  Scribe 


CCXIV.    Memorial  of  the  Trustees  to  the  Con- 
necticut General  Assembly 

October  11, 1744 
with  the  action  thereon 

[From  the  original  in  the  State  Library] 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  to  whom  the  Memorial 
was  referred  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Robert  Treat  (Yale 
1718),  of  Milford,  a  member  of  the  Lower  House. 

To  the  Honourable  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut  now  Sitting  at  New  Haven  this  11*^  day  of  Oct^- 
1744 

The  Memorial  of  the  Trustees  of  Yale  College  Humbly 
Sheweth 

That  whereas  the  Covering  of  the  Rectors  House  both  as  to 
the  Roof  and  Sides  is  very  defective  and  leaky,  and  thereby 
the  House  likely  to  Receive  Dammage,  and  the  Assembly  have 
always  shown  a  generous  Disposition  to  Relive  the  College  in 
such  Cases.  These  are  therefor  to  Desire  that  your  Honours 
would  be  Pleased  to  Appoint  a  Committee  to  View  the  said 
House  to  Consider  what  Repairs  are  proper  and  to  Report 
there  opinion  there  upon. 


1744]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  367 

And  so  Your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  Bound  shall  ever  Pray 
&c. 

Thomas  Clap  1    Commitee 

Samuel  Whittelsey      }     of  the 
Joseph  Noyes  J    Trustees 

In  y®  Lower  House  the  Prayer  of  y®  Memorialist  Granted  as 
Prayed  for,  and  Col.  Edmund  Lewis  Mr^-  Robert  Treat  & 
Thomas  Bennedict  be  Appointed  for  y^  Purposes  prayed  for, 
and  Report  to  this  Assembly  in  their  present  Session  their 
Opinion  y^on. 

Test  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 

Concur^-  in  the  upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secrety 

Upon  y®  Memorial  of  y^  Rev*^-  Trustees  of  Yale-Colledge 
Desiring  a  Com*^^-  to  Veiw  y^  Rectors  House  &  Consider  w^hat 
Repairs  are  Proper  &  to  Report  there  opinion  thereon. 

Your  Honours  Com*^^-  Desire  liberty  humbly  to  Report 
There  opinion  that  y®  s*^-  Rectors  House  is  very  Defective  in 
y6  Covering  both  Roof  &  Sides  &  had  best  be  all  covered  new 
we  having  fully  veiwed  y^  same  &  also  y*-  y«  Windows  be 
fitted  wth-  Sash  Glass  &  r  Sides  Colour 'd 

Edmund  Lewis        1 

Rort-  Treat  [  Com^ee. 

Thomas  Benedick  J 

In  y6  Lower  House  y®  above  Report  Read  &  Approved  & 
ordered  y*-  a  Bill  in  form  be  drawn  y^'on  accordingly 

Test  Jno-  Fowler  Clerk 

Concurr*!-  in  the  upper  House 

Test  George  Wyllys  Secret^- 


368  DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY  [1744 


CCXV.     The  Judgment  of  the  Eector  and  Tutoes 
Concerning  John  and  Ebenezer  Cleaveland 

November  19,  1744 

[From  the  printed  Judgment  of  the  Rector  and  Tutors, 
pp.  5-8,  New  London,  1745] 

At  this  date  John  Cleaveland  was  a  member  of  the 
Senior  class,  and  his  brother  was  a  Freshman.  Both 
were  subsequently  admitted  to  degrees: — John  under 
President  Clap,  in  1763 ;  and  Ebenezer,  under  President 
Daggett,  in  1775. 

Yale-College,  November  19th,  1744. 
Present,  The  Rector  and  Tutors. 

Upon  Information  that  John  Cleaveland  and  Ebenezer 
Cleaveland,  Members  of  this  College,  withdrew  from  the  pub- 
lick  Worship  of  God  in  the  Meeting-house  in  Canterbury, 

carried  on  by  Mr.  Cogswell ;  and  that  they  the  said 

Cleavelands,  with  sundry  others ,  did  go  to  &  attend 

upon  a  private  separate  Meeting  in  a  private  House,  for 
divine  Worship,  carried  on  principally  by  one  Solomon  Paine, 
a  Lay-Exhorter,  on  several  Sabbaths  in  September  or  October 
last. 

The  said  Cleavelands  being  several  times  sent  for,  Acknowl- 
eged  the  Facts,  as  above  related,  and  Justified  what  they  had 
done,  and  gave  in  the  Reasons  given  in  Writing  by  the  said 
Separatists  for  their  Separation,  aforesaid 

Whereupon  it  is  Considered  by  the  Rector  and  Tutors, 

That  this  practice  of  setting  up  Lay-Exhorters 

(which  has  of  late  prevailed  in  the  Country)  is  without  any 
Scripture  Warrant,  and  is  Subsersive  of  the  standing  Order 
of  a  Learned  Gospel  Ministry,  and  naturally  tends  to  intro- 
duce spiritual  Pride,  Enthusiasm  and  all  manner  of  Disorders 
into  the  Christian  Church 


1745]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  369 

Whereupon  it  is  Considered  and  Adjudged  by  the  Rector 
and  Tutors,  That  the  said  John  and  Ebenezer  Cleaveland,  in 
Withdrawing  and  Separating  from  the  publick  Worship  of 
God,  and  Attending  upon  the  Preaching  of  a  Lay-Exhorter, 
as  aforesaid,  have  acted  contrary  to  the  Rules  of  the  Gospel, 
the  Laws  of  this  Colony  and  of  the  College ;  and  that  the  said 
Cleavelands  shall  be  publickly  Admonished  for  their  Faults, 
aforesaid:  And  if  they  shall  continue  to  Justifie  themselves, 
and  refuse  to  make  an  Acknowledgement  they  shall  be 
Expelled. 

Thomas  Clap  Rector. 


CCXVI.    Extract  feom  the  ''Declaration  of  the 
Eector  and  Tutors  against  Whitefield^' 

in  a  letter  dated 
February  25,  1745 

[From  the  printed  Declaration,  pp.  10-12,  Boston,  1745] 

Rev.  Sir, 

It  has  always  appeared  to  us,  that  you  and  other 

Itinerants  have  laid  a  Scheme  to  vilify  and  subvert  our  Col- 
leges, and  to  introduce  a  Sett  of  Ministers  into  our  Churches, 
by  other  Ways  and  Means  of  Education.  In  your  Journal,  P. 
96.  you  say.  As  to  the  Universities,  I  believe  it  may  be  truly 
said,  that  the  Light  in  them  is  now  become  Darkness,  even 
thick  Darkness  that  may  be  felt 

Upon  the  best  Information,  we  suppose,  that  altlio'  at  the 
first  Erection  of  this  College,  and  while  it  was  for  some  Years 
destitute  of  a  resident  Rector  and  compleat  Government,  there 
were  sundry  Instances  of  Vice  and  Irreligion ;  yet  by  the  good 
Government  of  the  late  Rector,  under  the  Inspection  of  the 
venerable  Trustees,  it  was  by  Degrees  brought  into  a  very 
well  regulated  State  as  to  Learning,  Religion  and  Manners. 
And  that  as  many  learned  and  godly  Ministers  have  been 


370  DOCUMENTARY  HISTOEY  [1745 

educated  here  as  at  any  College  or  private  Seminary  in  the 
"World,  of  no  longer  Standing.  But  this  is  certain,  that  soon 
after  the  Publication  of  these  Slanders  upon  the  Colleges, 
this  was  upon  several  Accounts  in  a  worse  State  than  it  was 
before.  Sundry  of  the  Students  ran  into  Enthusiastic  Errors 
and  Disorders,  censur'd  and  reviled  their  Governours  and 
others ;  for  which  some  were  expell'd,  denied  their  Degrees,  or 
otherwise  punished;  and  some  withdrew  to  that  Thing  call'd 
the  Shepherd's  Tent.  And  we've  been  inform 'd,  that  the 
Students  were  told,  that  there  was  no  Danger  in  disobeying 
their  present  Governours,  because  there  would  in  a  short 
Time  be  a  great  Change  in  the  civil  Government,  and  so  in 

the  Governours  of  the  College 

We  are,  Eev.  Sir, 

Your  humble  Servants,  in  all  that  we  may, 

Thomas  Clap,  Rector 

Chauncey  Whittelsey, 
Jonathan  Whiting,         ^  Tutors. 
Thomas  Darling, 


CCXVII.    A  Letter  Conceening  John  and  Ebenezer 
Cleaveland^  Expelled  Students 

[From  the  New  York  Post-Boy,  March  17,  1745] 

The  authorship  is  unknown. 

A  Letter  from  a  Gentleman  in  Connecticut,  to  his  Friend 
at  New- York. 

Sir; 

The  Friendship  you  have  always  honoured  me  with,  en- 
courages me  to  trouble  you  with  this  Letter,  upon  an  Affair, 
I  think  very  extraordinary  in  its  Kind,  as  well  as  Conse- 
quences :  It  is  a  Fact  that,  I  believe,  will  not  be  controverted 
by  any  Person  in  the  College;  it  is  as  follows;  Two  of  the 


1745]  OF  YALE  UNIVERSITY  371 

Students  went,  the  last  Vacation,  to  see  their  Parents ;  at  the 
Time  of  their  being  at  home,  they  were  by  them  persuaded, 
desired  or  ordered,  to  go  and  hear  a  neighbouring  Minister 
preach,  who  is  distinguished  in  the  Colony  by  the  Name  of  a 
New-Light;  they  accordingly  went,  it  may  be  with  their  own 
Inclinations,  without  any  Persuasion,  Desire  or  Order  of  any 
Person;  for  I  can't  say  which  it  was,  but  go  they  did:  When 
the  Vacation  expired,  they  returned  to  College:  The  Gover- 
nors of  the  University  were  informed,  they  had  been  to  hear 
a  New-Light  Preacher;  it  is  of  little  Consequence  how  the 
Information  came,  or  who  was  the  Informer ;  but  the  Fact  was, 
they  had  been  to  hear  such  a  One;  for  which,  and  for  no 
other  Cause,  they  were  both  expelled  the  College.  How  this 
is  agreeable  to  Reason,  Justice,  or  the  Principles  of  natural 

Equity,  I  can't  see 

You  must  excuse  me,  if  I  am  a  little  warm  upon  this  late 
Stretch  of  College  Power;  it  is  the  utmost  Cruelty  and  In- 
justice, take  the  Thing  in  what  Light  you  please:  Had  the 
civil  Magistrates  undertaken  the  Affair,  and  punished  them 
for  a  Breach  of  the  Law  of  the  Colony  (lately  made  to  prevent 
the  New-Lights  from  disturbing  the  Government)  that  might 
have  been  just,  but  for  a  College  to  inflict  so  cruel  a  Punish- 
ment for  a  Crime  not  committed  within  their  Jurisdiction,  and 
for  which  they  had  not  the  least  Glimpse  of  Authority,  is  not  a 
little  surprising 

I  am, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

Hezekiah  W R. 


372  DOCUMENTAEY  HISTORY  [1745 

CCXVIII.    Lettek  of  Thomas  Clap 

April  18,  1745 

[From  the  New  York  Post-Boy,  April  29,  1745] 

Mr.  Parker, 

I  have  seen  in  your  Post-Boy  of  the  18th  of  March  last,  an 
anonimous  Letter  publish 'd,  giving  an  Account  of  the  Expul- 
sion of  two  Scholars ;  which  was  therein  asserted  to  be  for  no 
other  Reason,  than  going  to  hear  a  neighbouring  Minister 
preach  who  is  distinguished  in  this  Province  by  the  Name  of  a 
New  Light ;  and  this  fact,  he  says,  will  not  be  disputed  by  any 
Person  in  the  College.  It  is  surprizing  to  me,  that  any  Person 
should  assert  such  a  notorious  Falshood,  or  expect  it  should 
find  Belief :  For  it  is  known  to  the  World,  that  a  great  Number 
of  the  Ministers  in  this  Colony  have  the  Name  of  New  Lights, 
and  sundry  of  them  have  Sons  at  College;  and  that  the 
Scholars  have  always  had  free  Liberty  to  go  and  hear  any  of 
them,  and  there  never  was  any  Thought  of  a  Prohibition: 
Tho'  this  indeed  is  true,  that  they  were  prohibited  from  fol- 
lowing Lay-Exhorters,  and  Separations,  whoever  preach 'd  at 
them.  I  don't  think  it  is  worth  while  for  me  to  give  a  par- 
ticular Account  of  this  Affair But  this  is  the  best 

Account  that  can  be  given  of  it  in  a  few  Words,  that  they 
were  expelled  for  being  Followers  of  the  Paines,  two  Lay- 
Exhorters,  whose  corrupt  Principles  and  pernicious  Practices 
are  set  forth  in  the  Declaration  of  the  Ministers  of  the  County 
of  Windham 

I  am  &c. 

Thomas  Clap. 

New-Haven,  April  18,  1745. 


¥ 


INDEX 


INDEX 


Absence  in  term-time,  343,  345. 

Adams,  Eliphalet,  238,  260; 
trustee,  116,  125,  203 ;  scribe, 
222,  254;  rector  elect,  251; 
letter  to,  298. 

Adams,  William,  butler,  286; 
tutor,  297,  309,  313. 

Addington,  Isaac,  8,  9,  15,  16. 

Advanced  standing,  fees  for, 
269. 

Age  of  students,  365;  of  trus- 
tees, 14,  22,  250. 

Allen,  Timothy,  333-334. 

Ailing,  John,  39,  93-94. 

Ailing,  Susanna,  93. 

Ames,  William,  writings,  9,  18, 
32. 

Andrew,  Samuel,  161 ;  trustee, 
21;  rector,  75,  90,  144,  150, 
167,  188-190,  238,  251,  258, 
260 ;  moderator,  213,  222,  258, 
285,  290,  296,  308,  312; 
letters,  84,  102-103 ;  letter  to, 
59. 

Apparatus,  193,  307. 

Arminianism,  9,  225,  233,  298. 

Arnold,  Jonathan,  236. 

Ashhurst,  Robert,  257-258. 

Assembly's  catechism,  8,  9,  32. 

Auditors,  29,  270. 

Balance-sheets,  272-273,  311-312, 

334-335. 
Balch,  Thomas,  350. 
Beckwith,  George,  278. 
Beecher,  Hannah,  204. 


Beer,  constituents  of,  304. 

Belcher,  Jonathan,  286. 

Bell,  208,  359. 

Benedict,  Thomas,  367. 

Benefactors,  roll  of,  31,  280,  300. 

Berkeley,  George,  gifts,  292,  298- 
299,  302,  305,  309,  339,  350; 
letters,  284-285,  289,  291-292; 
letter  to,  331. 

Blackmore,  Sir  Richard,  58. 

Board,  price  of,  195,  256,  268, 
281,  286,  297,  323-325,  351. 

Bonds  of  students,  327. 

Bookbinding,  291. 

Brainerd,  David,  350,  365. 

Brenton,  Jahleel,  159. 

Briefs,  authorized,  45-47,  61, 
221. 

Browne,  Daniel,  tutor,  158,  161- 
162,  173,  210,  232;  declara- 
tion for  Episcopacy,  227-230; 
death,  240. 

Buckingham,  Daniel,  60,  62,  64; 
papers  by,  106-108;  detention 
of  books  by,  141,  160,  181, 
183-187. 

Buckingham,  Joseph,  260. 

Buckingham,  Stephen,  trustee, 
78,  91,  144,  153,  296,  305; 
scribe,  213 ;  letter,  226-229. 

Buckingham,  Thomas,  of  Hart- 
ford, trustee,  62;  opponent  of 
New  Haven,  67,  81,  121,  127, 
152,  154-155,  162,  188-189; 
scribe,  235,  237 ;  papers  by, 
81-82,  114-116,  166-167. 


376 


INDEX 


Buckingham,  Thomas,  of  Say- 
hrook,  26 ;  trustee,  21 ;  letters, 
8,  36-37,  40,  50 ;  letters  to,  1-7, 
15-16,  23-24,  55 ;  death,  150. 

Buell,  Samuel,  365. 

Bulkley,  Gershom,  9-12. 

Burnham,  Nathaniel,  265,  285. 

Burr,  John,  60. 

Burr,  Peter,  61,  110-112. 

Butlers,  198,  234,  246,  260,  267, 
269-270,  278,  281,  286,  297, 
309,  318,  326,  359,  362;  per- 
quisites, 304. 

Caner,  Henry,  104,  171-173,  222- 

223,  251,  273,  281,  290. 
Cardplaying,  211,  309. 
Carrington,  Peter,  214. 
Chalker,  Abraham,  186. 
Charter    of    1701,    20-23,    149; 

first  draft,   16-19;   additional 

act,  248-250. 
Charter  of  1745,  draft  of,  366. 
Chatterton,   William,    319,   333- 

335,  352. 
Chauncy,  Charles,  8. 
Chauney,  Israel,  10 ;  trustee,  21 ; 

rector,     31,     149;    letter,     8; 

death,  44. 
Clap,  Mary,  359. 
Clap,  Thomas,  rector,  338,  340; 

moderator,  350,  359,  362. 
Clark,  John,  106,  140,  184,  186. 
Cleaveland,  Ebenezer  and  John, 

368-371. 
Cogswell,  James,  368. 
Collegiate   School  incorporated, 

21. 
Colman,  Benjamin,  291;  letters, 

167-168,  298. 


Commencements,  42,  158,  177, 
267,  344;  evils  of,  3,  7,  33,  246, 
290,  314,  325;  place  of,  101- 
102,  157,  165-166;  cost  of, 
173,  268,  278,  286,  325,  352. 

Commons,  complaints  of,  201, 
210-211,  304-305 ;  bill  of  fare, 
351 ;  compulsory,  362 ;  price 
of,  see  Board. 

Connecticut  Assembly,  charter 
from,  20-23,  149,  248-250; 
money  grants,  7,  22,  57,  63, 
99-100,  143,  145-146,  163,  180, 
194,  220,  264,  280,  288,  307, 
311,  316,  329,  341-342,  353- 
355,  361,  364 ;  land  grant,  293- 
294;  remission  of  taxes,  45, 
199,  262,  274-275;  duties  on 
rum,  207,  221,  254-255,  273- 
274;  power  over  location  of 
College,  74,  96-98,  152. 

Connecticut  Hall  proposed,  347- 
349. 

Cook,  appointment  of,  204. 

Cooke,  Samuel,  trustee,  296; 
scribe,  323,  328,  332,  336,  350. 

Cooke,  Samuel,  Jr.,  butler,  297; 
steward,  309,  332-333. 

Coster,  Hester,  93. 

Cutler,  Elizabeth,  201,  228. 

Cutler,  Timothy,  rector,  162- 
163,  190-192,  195-201,  210, 
213,  242,  282-283 ;  letters,  207- 
209,  219-220,  295;  declaration 
for  Episcopacy,  227-232,  259 ; 
later  history,  241. 

Darling,  Thomas,  362. 

Davenport,  John,  94;  trustee, 
150;  scribe,  73,  88,  140,  171, 
231;   writings,    101-102,    126, 


INDEX 


377 


146-148,  156,  158,  174,  226- 
229,  248. 

Davie,  Sir  John,  58. 

Davis,  Anthony,  323. 

Day,  Aaron,  butler,  332-333; 
steward,  332,  335,  338,  352. 

Degradation,  32,  236,  290. 

Degrees,  fees  for,  197,  268,  320 ; 
conditions  of,  344-345. 

Derby,  subscriptions  from,  67, 
70. 

Dickerman,  Isaac,  316,  321-322. 

Diplomas,  2,  33,  54,  256. 

Dixwell,  John,  77,  218. 

Donations,  record  of,  280. 

Dummer,  Jeremy,  151,  219,  301 ; 
letters,  56-58,  71,  83-84,  164- 
165,  192-193,  206,  209,  212, 
237,  240-242,  244,  256-258, 
267;  letters  to,  143,  145-148, 
174-175,  203,  259,  281. 

Edwards,  Daniel,  355,  360-361; 

tutor,  260,  270 ;  steward,  277, 

304-305,  308. 
Edwards,  Jonathan,  letters,  192, 

195,  210-211;  butler,  198;  tu- 
tor, 252,  254,  267. 
Eliot,    Jared,    227,    286,    299; 

trustee,  285;  scribe,  366. 
Eliot,  John,  12-15. 
Examining    committees,    29-30, 

33. 
Expenses  and  income,   annual : 

see  Balance-sheets. 

Fines,  47,  238,  246,  309. 
Fisk,  John,  265,  270,  281. 
Fiske,  Phineas,  52-53,  150. 
Fitch,  James,  gifts,  19-20,  198- 


199,  214,  265,  270,  281 ;  letter 

to,  40. 
Fitch,    Thomas,    292-293,    319, 

366. 
Flint,  Henry,  173. 
Fowler,  Joseph,  293,  319. 
Freshmen,    attendance   of,   343, 

345. 

George  I,  portrait,  157,  159. 
Gifts,  record  of,  280. 
Globes,  193,  307. 
Gold,  Nathan,  75,  90,  143,  158, 

162,  176. 
Graduate  students,  33. 
Graham,  John,  323. 
Grant,  John,  352. 
Green,   Timothy,   181-182. 
Grey,  Zaehary,  295. 

Hale,  James,  150. 

Hall,  Benjamin,  343. 

Hall,  John,  77,  91,  144. 

Hall,  Samuel,  162. 

Hart,  John,  227;  tutor,  44,  46, 

49,  53,  150. 
Hart,  William,  309,  318. 
Hartford,  as  site  for  the  Colle- 
giate School,  66,  72,  79,  152; 

grant  to,  159,  180. 
Harvard  College,  8,  32,  168,  279 ; 

criticized,  53,  226,  242. 
Holden,  Samuel,  291. 
Hollis,   Thomas,   206,   209,   212, 

219,  244. 
Hooker,  Daniel,  41,  44,  150. 
Hubbard,   Daniel,  291 ;   scholar 

of  the  house,  265 ;  butler,  270 ; 

instructor,    271,    277;    tutor, 

277,  281. 


378 


INDEX 


Hubbard,  John,  300. 
Hubbell,  Nathaniel,  224. 

Income   and   expenses,    annual: 

see  Balance-sheets. 
Indians,  education  of,  61. 
Inns,  frequenting  of,  235. 

Johnson,  Samuel,  174,  241,  295; 
tutor,  74,  76,  89-90,  92,  105, 
143,  153-154,  173,  198;  criti- 
cisms of,  160-161,  189-190, 
192 ;  letters  to,  102,  284,  289, 
291;  writings,  148-163,  331; 
declaration  for  Episcopacy, 
227. 

Jones,  Timothy,  324,  327,  333- 
335,  352. 

Kellogg,  Martin,  285. 
Killingworth,   Collegiate  School 

at,  41,  51,  54-55,  113, 135,  149 ; 

negotiations   with,   36,   51-52, 

54-55. 
Kimberly,  Eleazar,  11-12. 

Lamson,  Joseph,  352. 

Law,  Jonathan,  77,  84,  91,  144, 
201,  236,  356. 

Laws,  revision  of,  313,  344. 

Levins,  James,  265,  270,  281. 

Lewis,  Edmund,  367. 

Library,  gifts  to,  25,  55,  57-58, 
71,  83,  151,  157,  164,  175-176, 
193,  241,  257,  267,  282,  292, 
305;  laws,  173,  238,  265,  267, 
270,  345-346;  bookcases,  267, 
305 ;  duplicates  in,  290,  336. 

Library-keeper,  78,  173,  238, 
278,  305,  313,  318,  327,  334, 
346,  352. 


Liquor  in  College,  236,  325. 
Litchfield    county    land-grants, 

293-294,   319,   326,   328,   345, 

362. 
Livingston,  Philip,  308. 
Lockwood,  James,  324,  334. 
Lord,  Benjamin,  151-152,  345 
Lord,  Elisha,  167-168. 
Lyde,  Edward,  218-220. 
Lyman,  Phineas,  332,  352. 
Lynde,  Nathaniel,  treasurer,  34- 

35 ;  gift  of,  36,  42,  60,  106. 
Lynde,  Samuel,  343. 

Marsh,  John,  355. 

Marsh,  Jonathan,  296. 

Mathematical  studies,  195,  301. 

Mather,  Azariah,  150,  154. 

Mather,  Cotton,  letters,  163-164, 
170-171;  letters  to,  178,  181, 
224,  226. 

Mather,  Elizabeth,  195. 

Mather,  Increase,  6-7,  229. 

Mather,  Samuel,  trustee,  21, 
107;  letter,  23-24,  129;  dis- 
ability of,  85,  117,  121-122, 
130,  135,  154-155. 

Mather,  Warham,  77,  90,  144. 

Meigs,  Janna,  187. 

Middletown  as  site  for  the  Col- 
legiate School,  137-139,  155- 
156. 

Mileage  of  trustees:  see  Trus- 
tees. 

Miner,  Richardson,  269-270. 

Mix,  Elisha,  210. 

Mix,  Samuel,  355,  360-361. 

Mix,  Timothy,  281-282,  286. 

Monitor,  273,  281,  291,  305,  313, 
319,  327,  334,  352. 


INDEX 


379 


Monumental    gratitude,     poem, 

300. 
Morgan,  Joseph,  224-225. 
Moss,    Joseph,    157,    161,    234; 

trustee,  286. 
Munson,    John,    173,    197,    204, 

213,  224,  245. 

New  Haven,  proposed  as  site  of 
the  Collegiate  School,  24,  67, 
71 ;  subscriptions  in  behalf  of, 
68-72,  81,  93,  197,  213,  223; 
opposition  to,  79,  81-82,  95-98, 
107-111,  118,  154-155,  162; 
site  fixed,  73,  85,  89,  113,  118, 
121-125,  132-135,  141-142,  145, 
147,  153,  156;  College  build- 
ings begun,  75-77,  80,  82-83, 
90,  113,  135,  143-146,  154, 
163,  174,  196 ;  repairs  of,  317, 
321-322,  330,  347;  first  Com- 
mencement in,  101-102 ;  maps, 
206-207. 

New  Haven  First  Church,  land 
sold,  93,  222 ;  rent  of  sittings, 
196,  199-200,  202,  223-224, 
236,  297,  333,  336-337,  339, 
352. 

New  Haven  Proprietors,  71-72, 
81. 

New  York  Province,  students 
from,  66. 

Newington,  negotiations  with, 
263-264. 

Nicholson,  Francis,  174. 

Non-resident  students,  42,  173, 
197. 

Noyes,  James,  37-38,  78,  86,  89, 
107,  115,  117-118,  121-122, 
129,  154-155,  188;  trustee, 
21;  moderator,  88,  103,  140, 


171,  196 ;  writings,  24-25,  112- 
114,  169-170,  174;  letters  to, 
1-6,  8-9,  100. 

Noyes,  Joseph,  95,  102-103,  151, 
234;  letter,  59;  letter  to,  93; 
tutor,  150;  instructor,  154, 
157,  161 ;  trustee,  313. 

Noyes,  Moses,  25,  153-154,  207; 
trustee,  44,  150,  188 ;  modera- 
tor, 73 ;  writings,  98,  116,  127- 
129,  242 ;  death,  285. 

Noyes,  Oliver,  218. 

Paine,  Solomon,  368. 

Parsons,  Jonathan,  281. 

Peck,  Joseph,  72,  81. 

Pierpont,  Evelyn,  57. 

Pierpont,  James,  trustee,  21 ; 
writings,  8,  54;  letters  to,  1-7, 
23-26,  50,  56-58 ;  death,  148. 

Pierpont,  James,  Jr.,  158 ;  tutor, 
233-234,  251,  258. 

Pierson,  Abraham,  227;  trustee, 
21 ;  letters,  8,  51-53  ;  letters  to, 
11-15,  20-24 ;  made  rector,  31, 
38-40,  149;  salary,  39,  42-44, 
46,  48,  50;  removal  to  Say- 
brook,  41,  43,  48,  51-52,  54; 
death,  150. 

Pitkin,  Ozias,  265. 

Pitkin,  William,  188-189,  348, 
354. 

Placing  of  students,  269. 

Previous  question,  137-138. 

Prout,  John,  94. 

Prudential  committee,  324. 

Punderson,  John,  77,  90,  144, 
203,  213,  316-317,  321-322, 
330,  352;  steward,  214,  256, 
268,  277. 


380 


INDEX 


Read,  John,  214,  299. 

Rector,  duties  of,  16,  29,  32-33, 
233;  election,  31,  75,  90,  143, 
149-150,  162,  173,  190-192, 
234,  238,  251-255,  258,  260- 
264,  338 ;  salary,  39,  42-44,  46, 
48,  50,  64,  270,  272,  277-278, 
281,  286,  290,  296,  305,  313, 
318,  324,  327,  333-335,  339, 
352;  house,  64,  75,  90,  143- 
144,  200-201,  207-208,  214-216, 
220-223,  281,  351,  353-355, 
360-361,  366-367 ;  trustee,  250, 
278;  change  of  title,  299-300. 

Roberts,  Nathaniel,  313. 

Rogers,  James,  60. 

Room-rent,  268-269. 

Rosewell,  Richard,  34,  39. 

Ruggles,  Thomas,  88,  92,  183, 
187,  251-252 ;  election  as  trus- 
tee, 97,  104,  115-117,  121-124, 
129-131,  135,  141,  150,  155; 
scribe,  203,  225,  245. 

Rum,  impost  on,  220-221,  254- 
255,  264,  273-274. 

Russell,  Daniel,  246. 

Russell,  Ebenezer,  234. 

Russell,  Noadiah,  21,  150. 

Russell,  Samuel,  15,  83-84,  94, 
174,  183 ;  trustee,  31,  150,  286 ; 
scribe,  104,  171,  196,  200,  251 ; 
letter  to,  205. 

Russell,  Samuel,  Jr.,  78,  150, 
152,  157. 

Russell,  William,  tutor,  150; 
chosen  rector,  252,  254-255. 

Sabin,  Ebenezer,  285. 
Sabin,  John,  281. 
Salisbury  farm,   362 :   see   also, 
Litchfield  county. 


Salmon,  William,  57. 

Saltonstall,  Gurdon,  156,  158- 
162,  176-177,  188-189,  207, 
239;  letters,  8,  100-101,  182- 
183,  205-206,  221-222,  243; 
letters  to,  37-38,  164-165,  170- 
171,  206,  209,  237,  242 ;  advice 
on  building,  75,  90,  143,  154; 
death,  257. 

Saybrook,  Collegiate  School 
fixed  at,  31,  36,  40-41,  54,  62, 
113,  128,  149 ;  gifts  to,  36,  42, 
60,  106;  College  house  at,  60- 
65,  128;  pleas  for  retention 
at,  106-107,  116,  127-128;  dis- 
orders at,  95,  113,  126,  151; 
library  and  records  held  at, 
78,  92,  140-141,  147,  157,  159- 
160,  180-187,  286;  grants  to 
scholars  remaining  in,  99,  143, 
145-146,  180 ;  compensation 
voted  to  town,  159,  165,  180; 
confession  of  faith,  233. 

Scholar  of  the  house,  265,  309; 
salary,  273. 

Seal,  College,  231,  234-235. 

Senex,  John,  307. 

Sergeant,  John,  281,  291. 

Sewall,  Samuel,  7-9,  15-16,  26, 
55. 

Smith,  Samuel,  65,  74,  76-77,  90, 
144,  153-154,  157. 

Smith,  Simon,  55. 

Smith,  William,  233-234,  251. 

Stanley,  Nathaniel,  355. 

Stewards  chosen,  173,  214,  277, 
309,  332;  duties,  268. 

Stiles,  Isaac,  210-211. 

Stoddard,  Anthony,  328. 

Stratfield,  subscriptions  from, 
70. 


INDEX 


381 


Stratford,     negotiations     with, 

163,  191,  198,  201. 
Sumner  [Daniel?],  53. 

Taller,  William,  158,  176-177, 
216,  220. 

Talcott,  Joseph,  110-112,  188, 
257,  259. 

Talmadge,  James,  313,  319,  322, 
324,  327,  333-335,  352. 

Taverns,  frequenting  of,  235- 
236. 

Taxation,  exemptions,  45,  199, 
274-275,  282-283. 

Taylor,  Daniel,  20,  40. 

Theses,  59. 

Thompson,  Joseph,  286. 

Thompson,  Samuel,  93. 

Thompson,  William,  93. 

Treasurer  chosen,  34-35,  39,  94; 
salary,  270,  273,  305,  313,  334. 

Treat,  Robert,  251,  366-367. 

Treat,  Salmon,  25. 

Trowbridge,  John,  214. 

Trustees,  incorporated,  21;  age, 
14,  22,  250;  proceedings,  27- 
34,  38-39,  41-44,  46-48,  60, 
62,  64-65,  72-78,  88-95,  103- 
105,  140-145,  171-174,  196- 
204,  213-214,  222-226,  231- 
238,  245-246,  251-252,  253- 
255,  258,  260-261,  265-271, 
277-278,  280-282,  285-286, 
290-291,  296-297,  299-300, 
304-305,  308-309,  312-314, 
323-328,  332-340,  350-351, 
359,  362,  365-366;  call  for 
meetings,  28;  quorum,  28; 
record  of  acts  of,  29,  43,  280, 
291,  297;  expenses,  29,  232, 
312,     320,     334,     339,     352; 


address  to  students,  48-49; 
memorials  to  Assembly,  95, 
112,  156,  247-248,  261-264, 
271-273,  278-279,  287-288, 
292-293,  302-303,  306-307, 
310,  314-315,  328-329,  340- 
341,  348-349,  352-353,  366- 
367;  unanimity  of,  131,  156, 
248,  250 ;  change  of  title,  299- 
300. 

Tuition,  cost  of,  33,  42,  197,  267, 
269,  325. 

Turner,  Daniel,  256-257. 

Tutors,  salary  of,  41,  44,  46,  60, 
92,  245,  260,  270,  273,  278, 
281,  286,  290,  296,  305,  313, 
318,  324,  327,  334;  soundness 
of  faith  of,  233;  number  of, 
364. 

University,  proposals  for  a,  1-6. 

Wadsworth,  Daniel,  362. 

Wadsworth,  James,  60,  356. 

Wakeman,  Joseph,  60. 

Watts,  Isaac,  286,  307-308. 

Webb,  Joseph,  trustee,  21. 

Well,  College,  203,  313. 

Welles,  Samuel,  67. 

West,  Ebenezer,  343. 

Wethersfield,  students  at,  99, 
143,  145-146,  152,  154,  157, 
159-162,  168,  180,  182-183, 
187-189,  192;  grants  to,  143, 
145-146,  157,  165,  180. 

Wetmore,  James,  227. 

Whltefield,  George,  346-347, 
369. 

Whiting,  John,  260,  267. 

Whiting,  Joseph,  77,  90,  144, 
201.  218. 


382 


INDEX 


Whiting,  Nathan,  359,  362. 

Whitman,  Elnathan,  277,  281. 

Whitman,  Samuel,  52-53 ;  trus- 
tee, 252 ;  scribe,  255,  258,  260, 
266,  268-269,  277,  280,  285, 
290,  296,  299,  308,  312,  359, 
362. 

Whittelsey,  Chauneey,  331;  tu- 
tor, 332,  352,  362. 

Whittelsey,  Samuel,  53,  227, 
299. 

Whittelsey,  Samuel,  Jr.,  309, 
318. 

Wigglesworth,  Edward,  252, 
254. 

Williams,  Ebenezer,  290,  338. 

Williams,  Elisha,  60;  tutor- 
elect,  143-145;  tutor  at 
Wethersfield,  154,  162,  168; 
rector,  254,  260-264,  266-267, 
274-276,  282-283,  295 ;  trustee, 
278 ;  moderator,  299,  304,  323, 
326,  332,  336 ;  resignation, 
337-339. 

Williams,  Nathaniel,  238-239. 

Williams,  Samuel,  318. 

Williams,  Stephen,  352. 

Williams,  William,  331. 

Windham,  negotiations  with, 
338,  340-343. 

Winthrop,  Fitz-John,  36-37, 
118. 


Winthrop,  John,  118. 

Wolcott,  Roger,  61. 

Wolcott,  William,  313,  318. 

Woodbridge,  Abigail,  209. 

Woodbridge,  Benjamin,  332. 

Woodbridge,  Samuel,  67,  296, 
338-339. 

Woodbridge,  Timothy,  100,  257; 
trustee,  21,  26;  opponent  of 
New  Haven,  81-82,  95-98,  152- 
157,  159,  161-163,  188-189; 
writings,  65-67,  81-82,  95-98, 
114-116,  166-167,  203;  letters 
to,  169,  207,  212,  219,  240, 
243-244,  256,  267,  275; 
moderator,  225,  231,  235,  245, 
251,  254,  260,  266,  268-269, 
277,  280;  rector-elect,  234, 
238;  death,  298. 

Woodbridge,  Timothy,  Jr.,  334. 

Woolsey,  Benjamin,  245. 

Worthington,  John,  359. 

Wyllys,   George,   182. 

Yale,  David,  56,  251. 

Yale,  Elihu,  gifts,  56,  58,  157- 

159,    170,    172,   178-179,  193, 

206,  209,  212,  216-219;  por- 
trait, 193 ;  letters  to,  163,  176, 

203;  will,  237,  241-242,  244, 
256-257. 

Yale  College,  name  of,  158,  164, 
170,  172,  176,  178. 


^ 


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